Timor-Leste plans sports and cultural events for National Youth Day
Celebrations from 7 to 12 November will include competitions, a national seminar, remembrance activities and a closing concert.
Timor-Leste will mark National Youth Day with sports, cultural performances and community activities from 7 to 12 November 2026, according to Mário Tilman, director-general for youth at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture.
Speaking to journalists on 6 November, Tilman said the programme would give young people opportunities to learn, compete and remember the sacrifices of the Loriku Asswa’in. He said young people should help create the activities, rather than participate only.
The programme is due to open on 7 November with a handicraft exhibition, blood donations and an evening of cultural performances. A health walk and competitions in marching, poetry, choral singing and public speaking are scheduled for 8 November. Clean-up activities and further competitions will follow on 9 November.
A national seminar on 10 November will allow young people to discuss their role in sustainable development, Tilman said. Finals in poetry, public speaking, choral singing and a traditional-dress fashion competition are also planned for that date.
Panel discussions, an evening of reflection, a documentary screening and cultural performances are scheduled for 11 November. The final day will include a thanksgiving Mass, the laying of flowers at a cemetery, awards for competition winners and a concert.
