Government of Timor-Leste

The Government, in partnership with the Presidency of the Republic, is preparing to hold the Rabilau Festival, which will take place between October 16th and 19^th, 2024. This event, which will take place on Mount Rabilau, Maubisse Administrative Post, in the Municipality of Ainaro, is organised as part of the National Tourism Promotion Programme to promote peace, unity and reconciliation while at the same time encouraging tourism and pride in Timorese cultural heritage. 

The Rabilau Festival is a joint initiative led by an organising committee under the direction of the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Mariano Assanami Sabino, with the President of the Republic as the event's patron. The festival also has the participation of various government organisations.

The main objectives of the Rabilau Festival are to promote peace, unity and reconciliation in Timorese society, foster the development of tourism by attracting national and international visitors, establish education and employment opportunities, especially for young people, preserve and promote Timor-Leste's cultural heritage, art, science, technology and sport, encourage a sense of community and national pride by valuing traditions and cultural diversity, and promote cultural exchange and relations between different cultures. 

The festival will consist of four main areas. The first area, dedicated to Art and Culture and led by the Secretariat of State for Art and Culture (SEAC), will feature painting, music and digital art competitions, traditional dance and music performances and cultural entertainment with the participation of local embassies and artists. The second area, the Science and Technology Exhibition, under the coordination of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture, will feature interactive demonstrations and exhibitions designed to arouse interest in scientific and technological areas. The third area, Sports, promoted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, will encourage the practice of sports, with competitions and physical activities for all ages. Finally, the Literature and Cinema area, organised by the Ministry of Education, will include a book fair, an offer of gastronomy and a screening of children's films. 

During the festival, the public will be able to enjoy various areas, including spaces dedicated to entertainment, food, craft fairs and sports activities, as well as exhibitions of local products and markets.

This event aims to become a benchmark annual celebration on the international agenda, promoting Timor-Leste as an excellent tourist and cultural destination. It will also strengthen intercultural relations and encourage exchanging ideas and traditions.