Benguela: Over 250 million kwanzas were raised during the 26th edition of the 'Sea Festival', which took place from March 26th to the 4th of this month, in the city of Mo§Smedes, Namibe province. The event, promoted by the Municipal Administration of Mo§Smedes, featured various engaging activities including a seal pool, a food and drink area, handicraft sales, commerce, and several business exhibition stands from local companies.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the festival was held under the motto "Living culture and protecting the environment for sustainable tourism", and concluded with a fireworks display and a public show featuring Angolan artists such as F¡bio Hustler, Johny Berry, DJ Levi, and the band Odisseia. The municipal administrator of Mo§Smedes, Abelardo Lemba, reported a significant increase of 50 million kwanzas in revenue compared to the previous edition, with 205 exhibitors from the provinces of Benguela, Uge, Hula, Huambo, and Luanda.
"This edition had a significant increase compared to previous editions, but it also made it possible to present a different version of the parties, allowing other exhibitors to present their brands and businesses in a different way and with a perspective of greater attraction for all those who visited the exhibitions," Lemba stated, praising the National Police for their efforts in reducing crime in the festival area. He also positively assessed the participation of other municipalities in the province of Namibe, such as Cacimbas, Lucira, Iona, and Saco-mar, during the exhibition period.
In addition, the provincial deputy governor for the Political, Social and Economic Sector, Abel Kapitango, noted that the Festas do Mar remains the most significant business exchange in the province, followed closely by the Cattle Fair. "In this edition, we had a considerable stock exchange, similar to the livestock fair, and we believe that we are going well, as Festas do Mar continues to be the best business exchange in Namibe and we can see that, in this edition, it housed several products on display," Kapitango remarked.
The official commended the organization and acknowledged the role of the local population in participating throughout the festival's 26th edition. However, exhibitors voiced concerns over increased registration fees and called for improved hygiene at the fair site in future editions. The Sea Festival is an annual event in the province of Namibe, occurring from March 7th to April 4th.
