Sao Joao: Jorge Carlos Fonseca will be the Flag Celebration in 2024, promising an unforgettable celebration.

Brava, June 25, 2023 - In an exciting decision, the former President of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos Fonseca, will be the 2024 Flag Celebrant, in a traditional and long-awaited ceremony that marks the high point of celebrations on the island. The decision was taken minutes before the delivery of the flag on the cleaver of Mastro by the 2023 Festive, Anildo Vaz.

The Flag Party is an honor reserved for influential personalities, people devoted to São João and everyone who believes they have the ability, goodwill and belief to do something for this traditional and most important festival on the island.

The tradition dates back to colonial times and represents the highest recognition and commitment to the nation and its people. Every year, public figures, emigrants, nationally prominent entities, take the decision to lead the preparations and coordinate a series of festive events that culminate in São João Day, celebrated on June 24

Jorge Carlos Fonseca, former President of Cape Verde, with due consideration, listening to several people and public and private entities, decided to take the flag of São João, according to him, for the connection and affection he has for the island of Brava and its people.

A man recognized for his tireless dedication to the country and his deep love for Cape Verdean culture, known for his vast political experience and commitment to the development and progress of Cape Verde, Fonseca is widely respected both inside and outside the country.

Speaking to the press, Jorge Carlos Fonseca expressed his gratitude and honor for being the 2024 Flag Party Member. He stated: "This is a moment of great pride and responsibility for me. I am committed to representing the flag and the people of this island of best possible way. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the 2024 celebrations are memorable, promoting unity, joy and the celebration of São João”, adding in one of his social networks, “I will be, in 2024, the “party planner” of São João on the island of Brava. I accepted the invitation and challenge of some friends and some entities to “take the flag”, in a decision that at the outset did not cross my mind until an hour before the “mast” ceremony.

With the support of those and of friends and companions, with the enthusiastic backing of the people of the island, I will try to hold dignified popular festivals and, perhaps, think about introducing one or another novelty.

(He had “taken the flag” in 1992 – 31 years ago – as Minister of Foreign Affairs.)

I thank you in advance for the stimulus received from many, many dozens of people with whom I was able, especially today, to live together, dialogue, exchange affection, celebrate.”

The flag festival's main responsibility is to coordinate and supervise the programming of events that take place during the period leading up to the 24th of June, but also on the day itself, the highlight of the activities. Included are civic parades, cultural performances, historical exhibits, sporting activities and much more. The 2024 celebrations are expected to be even grander and more inclusive, with the active participation of people from across the islands of Cape Verde and the Cape Verdean diaspora around the world.

With the choice of Jorge Carlos Fonseca as Festa da Bandeira, the expectation is that the celebrations in 2024 will be a reflection of the rich cultural diversity of the island, highlighting the importance of unity and the resilient spirit of the people of Brave.

All eyes are on Jorge Carlos Fonseca and his organizing team, hoping for an unforgettable celebration that fills all Braveans with pride and those who feel connected to the land and culture of this beautiful island.