Festivity and memory in the Afro-Brasilian communities of the African West Coast

Abstract

This article presents from the discussion of the work of Antonio Olinto, cultural attaché of the Brazilian Embassy in Nigeria, some considerations about Afro-Brazilian communities in the African West Coast, rediscovered in the 1960s. Formed by descendants of former slaves who left the Brazil towards Africa, the writings of Olinto reveal the importance of Catholicism and the Por- tuguese language for the maintenance of these communities and for the perma- nence of affective ties with Brazil, especially due to the religious festivities held by lay religious associations. Relationships that can contribute to a more accu- rate understanding of cultural and religious contacts between Africa and Brazil.