A blend of culture and history

The blend of African, Portuguese, and local influences has given rise to a small but culturally vibrant country, where music, cuisine, and language come together to create a unique identity in the Gulf of Guinea.

Music 

A blend of African rhythms with Portuguese and Caribbean influences. Most traditional genres:

• Ússua

• Socopé

• Puita

• Dançá Congo

• Tchiloli (dance theater with music)

Dance and Theater

• Tchiloli: a musical dramatization of the Portuguese play "Os Valentes de Meliantes"; it is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• Auto de Floripes: a tradition from the island of Príncipe, a folk play about Christians and Moors.

Gastronomy

Based on local products such as fish, bananas, breadfruit, matabala, and cocoa. 

Typical dishes:

• Calulu (made with fish or meat)

• Izaquente

• Feijão a moda da terra (Beans, country-style)

• Grilled fish with breadfruit
   

These beautiful islands in the middle of the Atlantic have Portuguese as their official and national language. Restructured varieties of Portuguese or locally developed Portuguese creoles are also spoken, such as Forro, Angolar, and Lunguié. Cape Verdean Creole and Angolan languages are also spoken due to the descendants of people who came here to work during the colonial era. Currently, French and English are also widely spoken in the country.

National Languages and Creoles:

• Forro

• Angolar

• Lunguê (on Príncipe)

Portuguese is the official language.

• São Tomé Festival (December 21)

• Feast of Saint Isidore

• Carnival with masks and traditional music

• Independence Day Celebrations (July 12)

Includes:

• Local myths and legends (e.g., djambi).

• Traditional farming practices.

• Knowledge of medicinal plants.

• Oral traditions and folk poetry.