National Theatre Festival Albiça – Maio, Cape Verde The National Theatre Festival Albiça, created on the island of Maio, Cape Verde, is a vibrant cultural initiative dedicated to celebrating, developing, and promoting theatre at both national and international levels. Founded with the vision of decentralising access to the performing arts, the festival positions Maio as an emerging cultural hub within Cape Verde and beyond. Albiça brings together theatre companies, artists, and creatives from across the country and the diaspora, fostering artistic exchange, collaboration, and innovation. The festival presents a diverse programme of performances, including contemporary theatre, traditional storytelling, experimental work, and community-based productions, reflecting the richness of Cape Verdean identity and global influences. Beyond performances, the festival is committed to education and capacity-building. It offers workshops, masterclasses, and discussions led by experienced practitioners, creating opportunities for local artists, young people, and aspiring performers to develop their skills and engage professionally with the arts. Rooted in the unique cultural landscape of Maio, Albiça also contributes to the island’s social and economic development by attracting visitors, strengthening cultural tourism, and empowering local communities through artistic participation. The National Theatre Festival Albiça stands as a platform for creativity, dialogue, and cultural pride—bridging generations, communities, and countries through the transformative power of theatre.