Made by wise hands who accumulate knowledge learned through oral tradition, passed down between generations. The leaves, the phases of the moon, the sunrise – everything has wisdom, knowledge, science and respect for nature. In every forest, in every backyard, there is a bark, a leaf, a possibility for healing and maintaining health. The countless medicinal species of the islands are used in traditional preparations of very varied therapeutic use, covering the main diseases of the region.

Maquequê, manioc leaf, ossame and pau pimenta, micocó or coriander leaf, izaquente, manioc, matabala, banana pão or banana prata, fruta pão, mango, cajamanga, jackfruit, untué, guêguê, coconut, andim oil, palm wine, etc. These are just a few of the many resources that form the basis of the local diet, along with meat and, above all, fish. Some of the typical dishes are: Calulú, Fundgi Maguita, Molho Fogo, Obobó, Peixe Limão, Calu Maguita, Pintado (Rice), Kisaká. The presence of Cachupa and Moqueca is a mark of the different cultures that have crossed paths in Príncipe. But the “star dish” of the local gastronomy is Azagoa, a time-consuming food that requires a lot of knowledge, both in its preparation and in collecting the huge quantity of leaves it includes.

Gôgô, moadim, candeia, jaqueira, amoreira, pau-fuba, pau leite, pau-caixão, palm leaves (andala) and coconut shells. These are some of the species used to build houses and make handicrafts. The tartarugueiros used to make tortoise shell crafts. The practice has been discontinued due to the efforts of the sea turtle protection and conservation project (PROTETUGA), which has relied on the commitment of the Príncipe’s authorities and population. The exuberant landscape has inspired painting and sculpture.

Príncipe’s linguistic diversity is the result of the island’s settlement process and the weight of labor from various African countries, sold or hired to work the plantations. Portuguese, the official and mother tongue of a large part of the population, served as the basis for the development of the Lunga Santomé or Forro (São Tomé) and Lunguyê (Príncipe) Creoles. These languages also coexist with Cape Verdean Creole and Angolar, the language of the Angolar community, located in the south of São Tomé. Lunguyê, abandoned for some time, has found a place in classrooms and children and young people are challenged to teach the “language of the land” to their parents. Adult Lunguyê speakers practice Palixá, a game of proverbs between adults. In the picture we see Gilberto Umbelina, a Principe singer-songwriter who won Radio France Internationale’s Découvertes 87 with his song in Lunguyê “Muin Ça Pué Mino” (Mother Gives Birth).

Catholic religiosity, which is still very present on the island, coexists with other beliefs and rituals. There are many festivities in honor of various saints and rituals such as Vindes Menino and Vijamento are still performed today. The day of São Lourenço, celebrated annually on August 15, is the highlight of the island’s festivities, attracting many people from all over the territory. It is during this celebration that the Auto de Floripes is performed. Some of these traditions were in danger of disappearing and have recently been revived through the efforts of some locals, such as the Marches of Santo António [Saint Anthony] and São João [Saint John] and the festival in honor of Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro [Our Lady of Perpetual Help]. All the events include music, dance and traditional recipes.

Music and dance are part of the Príncipe’s identity. Those who have dedicated themselves to music have not always found favorable conditions for learning. Even so, the art flourished. Here too, nature played an important role, providing resources for the manufacture of instruments. The Dêxa, the most traditional of the dances, has a unique ballet, with well-marked steps, invitations and shared glances and lots of music sung in Lunguyê. Groups of adults and children perpetuate the tradition, such as the Dêxa Modeno Group in the picture. The meeting of different peoples in Príncipe is also reflected in the dances. The Cape Verde Batuku, played, sung and danced by women, is also present on the island to liven up parties and events. Theater has also found space to develop here.

The records collected as part of the Ser Principense project are available on the Memory for All® portal.

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