Summer Nights

            Luanda doesn’t give its residents a chance to experience winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons like we get to experience in the States. Instead, there is a wet and dry season here with temperatures ranging anywhere from the lower 60s to upper 90s. Shocking, considering most people think hot, hot, hot when it comes to Africa. But in reality, the temperatures are pretty much perfect all year around.

            The wet season or “summer” runs from about October to May. The dry season runs from about June to September. The wet season may have more sunshine and hotter temperatures, but it also means more rainy days. It very rarely rains during the dry season, hence the name, dry season.

            Now that we are about midway through October, it is goodbye winter, hello summer! Yes, it is officially summer here in Luanda, and what better way to welcome it back than with a three-day celebration in its honor. Last weekend Adam and I went to the summer kick-off party at Lookal with a few of our friends.

            After purchasing our tickets, we stepped inside the bar to find out that this wasn’t going to be just any Saturday night party. There was a huge stage set up for the guest dee-jay (as they say) Miko. But he wasn’t the only source of entertainment hired for the evening. They brought in several groups of dancers; one group lined the stage, bars, and tables, while the other group made special appearances in costume on stage.

            Three women changed into elaborate costumes throughout the night and had a different routine for various songs. During one song they came out dressed in metallic outfits holding “guns” that shot out sparks to the beat of the song. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. But considering the amount of hair product I had applied, I decided to keep a safe distance from the stage. 

            The women, dressed in all white, came out on stage lit up from head to toe with white Christmas lights. I am not exactly sure what the costume was meant to represent but enjoyed letting my mind wonder about the endless possibilities.

            At one point in the night, the stage crew and dancers inflated giant balloons and sent them floating out into the crowd. Of course the balloons didn’t last long in the crowd of less than sober people, but it was neat to see them flying through the air for a short period of time.

            Adam and I made an appearance on the dance floor, but spent most of our time enjoying the show from a nearby table. We sat and watched all of the excitement surrounding us before calling it a night around 4am. And no, we didn’t leave because the club was closing and the party was ending. We left because we were tired. The party was actually just getting started, and there is no doubt in my mind that it was still going on when the sun made its daily appearance. Welcome back summer, the city of Luanda has missed you.