COLA SAN JON

Cola San Jon: More Than a Festival!

Let yourself be carried away by the lively sounds of Cape Verde!
The evening begins with a powerful short film about decolonization, introduced by Professor Flavio, after which we dive into the rich traditions of Cola San Jon.
Cola San Jon is not just a festival; it is a powerful symbol of Cape Verdean culture and identity. Rooted in both African and Portuguese traditions, this celebration played an essential role in preserving and strengthening Cape Verdean identity during the struggle for independence.
This celebration is all about community spirit, solidarity, and cultural pride, and you can feel that in every movement.

Dance, singing, and percussion take center stage during the evening. Discover the authentic rhythms of Cola San Jon and the traditional folk dances that reveal the Cape Verdean soul..
During a dance workshop, you’ll learn the typical dance steps, which you can then put into practice at the festive concert.

• 4:00 PM – Webinar Decolonization – Short Film and Q&A with Professor Flavio
• 6:30 PM – Dance Workshop COLA SAN JON
• 7:30 PM – Concert COLA SAN JON 

Cola San Jon - A Celebration of Pride, Freedom, and Unity

Step into the world of Cola San Jon, the vibrant St. John's festival of Cape Verde, where ancient traditions, lively rhythms, and a strong sense of community come together in a colorful explosion of culture and meaning.
What may seem at first glance like a joyful folk festival is, in reality, a deeply rooted symbol of freedom, human dignity, and fair trade.

A Dance of Decolonization
Cola San Jon breathes the spirit of resistance and resilience. During the struggle for independence, this festival offered the Cape Verdean people a powerful platform to celebrate and protect their cultural identity. By blending African traditions with Portuguese influences, a unique expression of their spirit emerged — determined, connected, and proud. Every dance, every song, every gathering served as a reminder that freedom begins with cherishing your own story.

The Right to Cultural Expression
After independence, Cola San Jon remained a source of pride and freedom. The right to live and share one’s culture is a fundamental human right. Today, every celebration of Cola San Jon is a vibrant testimony to that freedom — a moment where generations unite, bonds are strengthened, and diversity is embraced.

Fair Trade and Local Pride
But Cola San Jon is more than just a cultural celebration. The festival is closely tied to local agricultural products such as corn, beans, and sugarcane — ingredients that not only delight the senses but also support the local economy. By celebrating these traditions, we highlight fair trade practices and give local farmers the recognition they deserve.
Moreover, Cola San Jon paves the way for sustainable cultural tourism. Visitors are not merely spectators; they actively participate in the celebration, gaining an authentic glimpse into the Cape Verdean soul while contributing to the prosperity of local communities.

A Festival with a Mission
Cola San Jon is much more than a cheerful tradition. It is a living celebration of history, justice, and future hope. A festival that honors the past, strengthens the present, and offers inspiration for tomorrow.
Through dancing, singing, and sharing, Cape Verdeans — and everyone drawn in by their energy — continue to build a society rooted in equality, solidarity, and sustainability.

In collaboration with 11.11.11, Gent Mondiaal, vzw Dragoeiro, Province of East Flanders, FZO-VL, Morabeza vzw