Day 12: The Vincentino Lions
The Culture Festival at São Vicente de Paulo became the scene of a vibrant celebration, bringing together tradition, talent and teamwork. It was against this backdrop that the Vincentino Lions, a group made up of sponsored and non-sponsored children from the school, shone to the sound of the Xigubo, a traditional Mozambican dance deeply rooted in the history of colonial resistance, especially in the Gaza and Maputo regions.
What is Xigubo?
Xigubo is more than a dance: it’s a cultural expression that symbolises struggle, identity and resistance. It is characterised by dancers lined up in rows, wearing costumes made from animal skins and adorned with natural fibres, seed necklaces and defensive instruments such as the xitlhango or azagaia. Each movement and beat conveys the strength and history of the Mozambican people.
Memorable performances
From the first step, the crowd went wild, captivated by the harmony, energy and dedication that the group showed, the result of weeks of intense training. The team from São Vicente was highlighted as an example of the transformative impact of culture and encouraged to continue training for future competitions, such as the Xai-Xai championship.
Recognition and the future
The presentation by the Leões Vicentinos (Original name in portuguese) group was so impressive that the teacher of the ACADESMOS group, considered the best in the district, expressed an interest in integrating some of the children into his group. This recognition underlines the potential of the children at São Vicente de Paulo School and the power of cultural traditions in building identities and dreams.
Pride and hope
The day ended with the children happy and proud of their work, showing that tradition, when combined with talent and effort, has the power to inspire and transform. Xigubo is not just a dance; it is a living legacy, and the Vicentino Lions are determined to keep it vibrant and relevant for new generations.