The past in the present: memories of the liberation struggle in Northern Mozambique

Abstract

The Mozambican liberation struggle (1964-1974) fought mostly in Cabo Delgado, Northern Mozambique, left strong memories, becoming part of the imagination and construction of the country. It has been more than 35 years since independence with large numbers of the population being too young to remember the liberation struggle. Consequently, recreating the struggle has become an important part of remembering, re-telling and passing on of national and local history to the younger generation. The representation of the past is often appropriated by the state, and has excluded/silenced alternative perspectives and experiences of those who, while living in the province, did not take part in the struggle. Based on fieldwork conducted in Mozambique between 2005 and 2007, drawing on participant observation of public celebrations and extensive interviews with veterans (male and female) of the liberation struggle, I will discuss the importance of public celebrations for remembering and re-shaping the past.