Festivals

Despite the rich and diversified culture of Sao Tomé and Principe, there are few festivals and events to commemorate it. Visitors to Sao Tomé and Principe should be aware of a number of official holidays, including Independence Day, which remembers the country's hard-won independence, and Labor Day, which honors all of the workers who have made the country great. On some days, the country shuts down, and public facilities are closed.

One of the most expected national celebrations is the Autonomy Festival. It is on this day that the island's autonomy and conquest of independence are commemorated. It is also at this event that the road that Sao Tomé and Principe has taken over the years toward the development and improvement of its people's living situations is acknowledged.

August is the month of culture in Sao Tomé and Principe, with numerous festivals taking place. One of them is the So Lourenço Festivity, also known as the Auto de Floripes Festivity, which takes place on August 15th every year. The Auto de Floripes is the island's most prominent theatrical event. Its purpose is to reproduce the medieval conflict between Christians and Moors, as well as the history of European kingdoms.