On 13 February 2013 the Ministry of Tourism organized in Dili the 2013 Carnival under the topic: ‘Joy amid Freedom and Plurality’. Incrementing relations and interaction among youths was the objective of this activity aimed concomitantly at contributing towards national culture and tradition.

The First-Lady, Isabel Ferreira, commended the initiative and spirit of commitment by the Ministry of Tourism for managing to organize this event in a short period of time: ‘Carnival is already part of Timorese tradition and culture. It is therefore necessary to ensure that it is organized every year, by motivating the youth and promoting their creativity and talent, while at the same time augmenting tourism activity in the country.’

Isabel Ximenes, Secretary of State for Arts and Culture, referred to the Carnival as an international event that has always been organized in Timor-Leste, serving even as a means for the people to learn cultural aspects of their own country and those of other countries.