Angolan

Meet Moises Gaspar. My Name is Moises Gaspar and I am Angolan.

Heritage
I grew up in the capital of Angola, Luanda, surrounded by beautiful beaches and coastline. I came over to Britain about 8 years ago and move to Plaistow in Newham with my wife and four kids, the youngest is 4 months and called Leo. I am currently doing and NVQ in Business Administration and Information Technology to help improve my skills and experience.

Religion and culture
I am Christian and religion is a very important part of my life. Every Sunday we go to our local church. One of the most important times for me is Easter when we hold special prayers and it is time for family and gatherings.

Celebrations
We celebrate many festivals and parties in Angola but the one I most enjoy is "festa da isla"(Island Party) that is celebrated once a year for two days in November in a very beautiful part of the city called 'Island of Luanda.' The purpose of the celebration is to protect the island form sinking and people from drowning and we throw food (fruits, vegetables and cooked dishes) into the sea and offer prayers. Another important day is Angolan Independence Day, celebrated on the 11th November.

Food
In Newham, if I want to eat Angolan food I normally have to cook at home or visit friends and family. However there is a restaurant where I can have Portuguese food for a change which is similar to Angolan food in a place called café Cascais on Cann Hall Road. My favourite traditional dish is called 'Funje'. My mother taught me how to cook it and it normally accompanies fish or meat dishes.

Living in Newham
I like Newham because, like my home town, there are people from everywhere in the world, different cultures and traditions that make Newham at the top from my point of view. The biggest attraction was the local market in Green Street, where I can buy everything I need cheaply and easily e.g. Talapia (Cacusso) a fish. When I used to live in South London, I would have to travel to Billingsgate Market to get this.

Language
Portuguese is the main language spoke in Angola and this is the language taught in Angola schools. If you meet me on the street you would impress me by saying 'como estais' which is the Portuguese for Hello and "ate Ja" for goodbye. Although I speak Kimbundo, the others main languages spoken in Angola are Umbundo, Kicongo and Fiote.