Festa do Império Kalunga

The Festa do Império Kalunga is a significant cultural and religious event held in the Vão das Almas, located within the Território Kalunga in Goiás, Brazil. The Kalunga community, descendants of escaped African slaves (Quilombolas), has preserved its traditions, language, and religious practices for over 300 years. The festival, which typically takes place in August, honors Nossa Senhora da Abadia, a revered figure in Brazilian Catholicism. This annual pilgrimage blends Catholicism with Afro-Brazilian spiritual elements, reflecting the resilience and cultural richness of the Kalunga people. Participants travel long distances, engaging in processions, traditional dances, and communal feasts that celebrate their deep-rooted heritage.