Tabanka Museum
Museu da Tabanka
A small museum in Chã de Tanque, west of Assomada, presenting the Tabanka tradition: mutual-aid associations founded by enslaved Africans and their descendants, known for festival parades.
The Museu da Tabanka is located in the Chã de Tanque area west of Assomada, in a traditional stone house that displays Tabanka culture. Tabankas were mutual-aid associations formed by Africans enslaved during the colonial era and their descendants. They are known for festival processions, drumming, conch horns, and role-play of kings and queens modeled on the Portuguese court. The tradition is still celebrated during the saints' festivals from May to July. The exhibits include costumes, instruments and photographs, and staff can give tours in Portuguese or Creole. The museum is small and its opening hours are irregular, so it's best to visit on the same day as Assomada Market and confirm in advance.
Opening hours
Hours vary; check on site
Nearby sights
- Assomada Market
- Poilão de Boa Entrada
- Ribeira da Barca
- Pico de Antónia
- Serra Malagueta Natural Park
- Grandvaux Barbosa National Botanical Garden
- Rui Vaz & Monte Tchota
- Tarrafal Concentration Camp Museum