Lautem Cultural Festival: Friday 5 to Sunday 7 April 2013

Friday  2-7 pm, Saturday 9 am -7 pm, Sunday 10 am - 3 pm
Festival theme for 2013: 'Protecting Endangered Cultural Heritage'

Come celebrate culture and diversity at the inaugural Lautem Cultural Festival in Lospalos. Taking place over the weekend of 5-7 April 2013, the Festival will provide an opportunity for community and visitors to view cultural performances from the five sub-districts and three language groups of the Lautem district. Attendees will also be able to participate in cultural workshops and seminars and purchase cultural products at the Festival fair.

The Festival is presented by Lautem Festival Community Committee led by Sr. Jose Monteiro, and supported by AusAID's East Timor Community Assistance Scheme, the Department of Education, Lautem District and Many Hands International.

Entry: by donation.  We encourage donations from visitors to support future community cultural activities in Lautem.

Program details:
Festival program information available here in   Tetum and English.   Friday Seminar program available here in Tetum and English.

Venue:  Friday's seminar is in Conference Room, Education Office, Rua Sentral, Lospalos.  The Festival is being held in the former Merkadu Antigu, now being renovated into Timor-Leste's first dedicated cultural centre.   Turn left at the first roundabout in town and the centre is on the right next to the hospital.

Accommodation in Lospalos:  Accommodation is available in local guesthouses 27, Nova Esperanca and ADM Convent, and hotel Roberto Carlos.  More information here.

Transport to Lospalos:  Public transport is available to Lospalos in buses that travel daily from Dili. Otherwise, cars  with or without drivers are available from companies including Green Mountain Car and Drivers (Alto Ph: +670 7732 6104/ 7747 1881), RentLo (Ph: +670 331 0770), eSilva (+670 332 5055) and Megatours (+670 7723 5199).