LIFESTYLE AND CULTURAL RESISTANCE: A STUDY OF THE RASTAFARI COMMUNITY OF LUBANGO

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the lifestyle and cultural resistance of the Rastafarian community residing in Lubango, understanding their beliefs, symbols, practices, and forms of spirituality, as well as their connection with African history and the diaspora. The relevance of this research lies in the need to understand Rastafarianism as a movement that transcends religious boundaries, revealing itself as a philosophy of life, a form of political resistance, and an instrument of identity reconstruction for marginalized Black populations. The importance of this work lies in the appreciation of the African legacy and the decolonization of knowledge, allowing for the redefinition of often stigmatized cultural practices, such as the ritual use of cannabis, dreadlocks, and the adoption of Ethiopian symbols. Furthermore, it contributes to the understanding of how Rastafarians transform discrimination and marginalization into elements of identity and collective strength, reaffirming spirituality as the basis of cultural emancipation. The methodology used was basic, analytical, and qualitative. The study combined a literature review with a case study of 16 Rastafarians in Lubango. The techniques used included semi-structured interviews, thematic content analysis, and triangulation, ensuring scientific validity. The results reveal that Rastafarians recognize Ethiopia as a spiritual center, attribute prophetic and messianic roles to Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie, resignify cultural symbols as a pedagogy of resistance, and confront social discrimination by converting it into spiritual distinction. It is concluded that the movement, more than a religion, constitutes a living practice of decolonization and identity construction.