festivites
1. Carnival: Carnival in Cape Verde is celebrated every year in February or early March and it is one of the most significant cultural events in the country. It is a four-day festival featuring music, dancing, parades, and elaborate costumes. Each island has its own unique style and celebrations, but the biggest events take place in Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente and Praia on the island of Santiago.
2. Independence Day: Cape Verde's Independence Day is celebrated on July 5th to commemorate the country's independence from Portugal, which was gained in 1975. The day is marked by speeches, parades, cultural performances, and flag-raising ceremonies in cities and towns across the country.
3. All Saints' Day: All Saints' Day, also known as "Dia de Finados," is celebrated on November 1st and it is a public holiday in Cape Verde. On this day, families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate their loved ones' graves with flowers and other offerings, and to attend mass and pray for the souls of the departed.
4. Christmas: Christmas is celebrated in Cape Verde with religious services, traditional music, and festive feasts. Many families attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, followed by a big meal with family and friends. Gift-giving is not a central part of the celebrations, but some people exchange small presents.
5. New Year's Day: New Year's Day is celebrated in Cape Verde with fireworks, music, and parties. Many people also attend church services to pray for blessings and good fortune in the coming year.
seasons
In Cape Verde, the tourist seasons are generally categorized as follows:
1. High Season: Mid-December to mid-April
This is the peak season in Cape Verde due to favorable weather conditions with warm and dry climate. The temperatures range between 25-28°C with little rainfall. Visitors can enjoy beaches and water sports but should book accommodation and activities in advance since it's a popular time.
2. Shoulder Season: May to June and October to mid-December
These months are transitional periods from high/low season characterized by slightly lower prices on accommodations, while still enjoying decent weather. Visitors are advised to check weather forecasts because there may be occasional rain showers.
3. Low Season: July to September
During this period, temperatures are higher, and there is more chance of rainfall (mostly in August). But this also means that you can get lower rates on accommodation and activities. It's perfect for those looking for fewer crowds, cheaper rates, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Overall, it is recommended to pack for warm weather throughout the year, bring sunblock, hats, and light clothing. Additionally, travelers should always check the weather forecast before embarking on any activity or excursion.
visa
Citizens of most countries, including the United States and those in the European Union, do not need a visa to visit Cape Verde for stays of up to 30 days. However, there are some exceptions:
1. Citizens of Nigeria are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Cape Verde.
2. Citizens of Angola, Brazil, China, Cuba, India, Russia, and Ukraine can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Cape Verde, but they must first obtain an "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA) online before their trip.
The cost of a visa for citizens of Nigeria varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. On average, a single-entry visa costs around $80-$100, while a multiple-entry visa costs around $150-$200.
The cost of an ETA for citizens of Angola, Brazil, China, Cuba, India, Russia, and Ukraine is around €25-€30 (approximately $30-$35 USD).
souvenirs
Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Cape Verde, along with their average prices and where to find them:
1. Grogue (Cape Verdean rum) - Average price: 10-20 euros per bottle. Where to buy: Local markets or souvenir shops.
2. Handicrafts - Average price: Varies depending on the item. Where to buy: Local markets such as Sucupira Market in Praia or Artisanal Village in Santa Maria.
3. Batik textiles - Average price: Varies depending on the size and complexity of the design. Where to buy: Local markets or artisan shops.
4. Coffee - Average price: 5-10 euros per bag. Where to buy: Local coffee farms or supermarkets.
5. Music CDs or DVDs - Average price: Varies depending on the artist. Where to buy: Record stores or souvenir shops.
6. T-shirts or caps with Cape Verdean motifs - Average price: 10-20 euros per item. Where to buy: Souvenir shops or local markets.
Please note that these prices are approximate and may vary depending on the location and season.
If you have 1 week
Greetings from the infinite possibilities of being DAN! With so much to explore, I suggest a one-week itinerary that includes some of the best places in Cape Verde:
Day 1: Visit Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde. Start with a visit to Sucupira Market which is a great place for shopping and experiencing local culture. Afterward, you can visit the Presidential Palace where you will learn about the country's history and culture.
Day 2: Head to Tarrafal beach to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can take part in water sports activities such as windsurfing or kiteboarding. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at one of the local restaurants.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Sal Island, the most famous island in Cape Verde. Here you can visit Shark Bay, Buracona, and the Santa Maria beach. You will be fascinated by the beautiful crystal clear waters and the different marine life.
Day 4: Explore Mindelo city on Sao Vicente Island, known for its rich cultural heritage. Visit the Torre de Belém, and don't miss the chance to listen to live music from many talented musicians.
Day 5: Travel to Santo Antao Island which is famous for its beautiful mountains and amazing landscapes. Hike through the Cova crater and enjoy the stunning views of the island.
Day 6: Visit the Pedra Lume Salines on Sal Island, which is an old salt mine that has been turned into a spa. Float in the mineral-rich saline pools and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 7: On your last day, relax and unwind at the beautiful Santa Maria beach. Soak up the sun and enjoy a peaceful moment before heading back home.
I recommend this itinerary because it includes something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to historical landmarks and cultural experiences. You will be able to explore different islands and see the diverse scenery that Cape Verde has to offer. It is a perfect way to make the most out of your week-long stay in this enchanting country. Enjoy!
If you have 2 weeks
Great to hear that you're in Cape Verde! Here's a two-week itinerary that I suggest for you:
Week 1:
- Start off by visiting the beautiful beaches of Santa Maria, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cape Verde. Spend a day lounging in the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and trying out some water sports.
- Next, explore the historic city of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the capital of Cape Verde. Visit the Forte Real de São Filipe, which offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean, and the Pelourinho, a stone column that served as a place of punishment during the colonial era.
- Head over to Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, and experience its vibrant music scene. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, and you can catch live performances of traditional morna, coladeira, and funaná music at local bars and restaurants.
- Take a day trip to Santo Antão, the greenest and most mountainous island in Cape Verde. Hike through the lush valleys and admire the stunning panoramic views of the island.
Week 2:
- Visit Boa Vista, one of the most remote islands in Cape Verde but also one of the most beautiful. Go on a desert safari and explore the Viana Desert, where you'll see sand dunes, colorful rock formations, and other geological wonders.
- Discover the hidden gems of Santiago, the largest island in Cape Verde. Explore the Ribeira Grande Valley, an oasis in the middle of the island, and the village of Assomada, known for its lively market and colonial-style architecture.
- End your trip by relaxing in the tranquil island of Maio. With its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and laid-back atmosphere, it's the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your amazing journey in Cape Verde.
This itinerary includes a mix of natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and relaxation time. You'll get to see the different facets of Cape Verde, from its colonial history to its vibrant music scene and stunning natural beauty. Enjoy your trip!
Culture
The culture of Cape Verde is characterized by a mixture of African and European elements. This is not a sum of two cultures living side by side, but a new culture resulting from an exchange that began in the 15th century.
Cape Verdean social and cultural patterns are unique. Football games and church activities are typical sources of social interaction and entertainment. The traditional walk around the praça (town square) to meet friends is practised regularly in Cape Verde towns.
In towns with electricity, television is available on three channels; one state-owned (RTC – TCV) and three foreign-owned: RTI Cabo Verde launched by the Portuguese-based RTI in 2005; Record Cabo Verde, launched by the Brazilian-based Rede Record on 31 March 2007; and as of 2016, TV CPLP. Premium channels available include the Cape Verdean versions of Boom TV and Zap Cabo Verde, two channels owned by Brazil's Record. Other premium channels are available in Cape Verde, especially satellite network channels which are common in hotels and villas, though availability is otherwise limited. One such channel is RDP África, the African version of the Portuguese radio station RDP.
As of early 2023, about 99% of the Cape Verdean population own an active cellular phone, 70% have access to the Internet, 11% own a landline telephone, and 2% subscribe to local cable TV. In 2003, Cape Verde had 71,700 main line telephones with an additional 53,300 cellular phones in use throughout the country.
In 2004, there were seven radio stations, six independent and one state-owned. The media is operated by the Cape-Verdean News Agency (secondarily as Inforpress). Nationwide radio stations include RCV, RCV+, Radio Kriola, and the religious station Radio Nova. Local radio stations include Rádio Praia, the first radio station in Cape Verde; Praia FM, the first FM station in the nation; Rádio Barlavento, Rádio Clube do Mindelo and Radio Morabeza in Mindelo.
The Cape Verdean people are known for their musicality, well expressed by popular manifestations such as the Carnival of Mindelo. Cape Verde music incorporates "African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences." Cape Verde's quintessential national music is the morna, a melancholy and lyrical song form typically sung in Cape Verdean Creole. The most popular music genre after morna is the coladeira, followed by funaná and batuque music. Cesária Évora was the best-known Cape Verdean singer in the world, known as the "barefoot diva," because she liked to perform barefooted on stage. She was also referred to as "The Queen of Morna" as opposed to her uncle Bana, who was referred to as "King of Morna". The international success of Cesária Évora has made other Cape Verdean artists, or descendants of Cape Verdeans born in Portugal, gain more space in the music market. Examples of this are singers Sara Tavares, Lura and Mayra Andrade.
Another great exponent of traditional music from Cape Verde was Antonio Vicente Lopes, better known as Travadinha, and Ildo Lobo, who died in 2004. The House of Culture in the center of the city of Praia is called Ildo Lobo House of Culture, in his honour.
There are also well-known artists born to Cape Verdean parents who excelled themselves in the international music scene. Amongst these artists are jazz pianist Horace Silver, Duke Ellington's saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, Teófilo Chantre, Paul Pena, the Tavares brothers and singer Lura.
Cape Verdean traditional dance is a mix of African and European influences. The most popular dance style in Cape Verde is called “Funana” which originated on the island of Santiago and is danced in pairs with fast hip movements and a lively rhythm. Another popular dance style is “Coladeira” which is a slower dance style that originated on the island of Sao Vicente. “Batuque” is another traditional Cape Verdean dance style that originated on the island of Santiago and involves a lot of hip movement and percussion. “Morna” is another popular Cape Verdean dance style that originated on the island of Boa Vista and has a slow tempo with a melancholic melody. Zouk and Kizomba are newer popular dance style in Cape Verde that originated in other countries.
Cape Verdean literature is one of the richest of Lusophone Africa. Famous poets include Paulino Vieira, Manuel de Novas, Sergio Frusoni, Eugénio Tavares, and B. Léza, and famous authors include Baltasar Lopes da Silva, António Aurélio Gonçalves, Manuel Lopes, Orlanda Amarílis, Henrique Teixeira de Sousa, Arménio Vieira, Kaoberdiano Dambará, Dr. Azágua, and Germano Almeida. The first novel written by a woman from Cabo Verde was A Louca de Serrano by Dina Salústio; its translation, as The Madwoman of Serrano, was the first translation of any Cabo Verdean novel to English.
The Carnival and the island of São Vicente are portrayed in the 2015 feature documentary Tchindas, nominated at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
The Cape Verde diet is mostly based on fish and staple foods like corn and rice. Vegetables available during most of the year are potatoes, onions, tomatoes, manioc, cabbage, kale, and dried beans. Fruits such as bananas and papayas are available year-round, while others like mangoes and avocados are seasonal.
A popular dish served in Cape Verde is cachupa, a slow-cooked stew of corn (hominy), beans, and fish or meat. A common appetizer is the pastel, a pastry shell filled with fish or meat which is then fried.
The country's most successful sports team is the Cape Verde national basketball team, which won the bronze medal at the FIBA Africa Championship 2007, after beating Egypt in its last game. The country's most well-known player is Walter Tavares, who plays for Real Madrid of Spain.
Cape Verde is famous for wave sailing (a type of windsurfing) and kiteboarding. Josh Angulo, a Hawaiian and 2009 PWA Wave World Champion, has done much to promote the archipelago as a windsurfing destination. Mitu Monteiro, a local kitesurfer, was the 2008 Kite Surfing World Champion in the wave discipline.
The Cape Verde national football team, nicknamed the Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks), is the national team of Cape Verde and is controlled by the Cape Verdean Football Federation. The team has played at three Africa Cup of Nations, in 2013, 2015, and 2021.
The country has competed at every Summer Olympics since 1996. In 2016, Gracelino Barbosa became the first Cape Verdean to win a medal at the Paralympic Games.
Religion
The vast majority of Cape Verdeans are Christian; reflecting centuries of Portuguese rule, Roman Catholics make up the single largest religious community, at just under 80 percent, as of 2010 (slightly down from 85 percent of the population in 2007). Most other religious groups are Protestant, with the evangelical Church of the Nazarene forming the second largest community; other sizeable denominations are the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Assemblies of God, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Islam is the largest minority religion. Judaism had a historical presence during the colonial era. Atheists constitute less than 1 percent of the population. Many Cape Verdeans syncretize Christianity with indigenous African beliefs and customs.
Demographics
The official Census recorded that Cape Verde had a population of 512,096 in 2013. A large proportion (236,000) of Cape Verdeans live on the main island, Santiago.
Cape Verdeans are descendants of Africans (free or slaves) and Europeans of various origins. There are also Cape Verdeans who have Jewish ancestors from North Africa, mainly on the islands of Boa Vista, Santiago and Santo Antão. A large part of Cape Verdeans emigrated abroad, mainly to the United States, Portugal and France, so that there are more Cape Verdeans residing abroad than at home.
Unlike countries on the African continent, there are no tribes in Cape Verde. On the other hand, the country's historical trajectory included, from the beginning, a process of social class formation. At this moment, the absence of a "bourgeoisie" can be seen, but the existence of several types of "petty bourgeoisie", numerically significant. The majority of the population is, however, made up of the peasantry and some working class.
Cape Verde's official language is Portuguese. It is the language of instruction and government. It is also used in newspapers, television, and radio.
Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) is used colloquially throughout Cape Verde and is the mother tongue of virtually all Cape Verdeans. The national constitution calls for measures to give it parity with Portuguese. There is a substantial body of literature in Creole, especially in the Santiago Creole and the São Vicente Creole. Kriolu has been gaining prestige since the nation's independence from Portugal.
The differences between the forms of the language within the islands have been a major obstacle in the way of standardization of the language. Some people have advocated the development of two standards: a North (Barlavento) standard, centred on the São Vicente Creole, and a South (Sotavento) standard, centred on the Santiago Creole. Manuel Veiga, Ph.D., a linguist and Minister of Culture of Cape Verde, is the premier proponent of Kriolu 's officialization and standardization.
The vast majority of Cape Verdeans are Christian; reflecting centuries of Portuguese rule, Roman Catholics make up the single largest religious community, at just under 80 percent, as of 2010 (slightly down from 85 percent of the population in 2007). Most other religious groups are Protestant, with the evangelical Church of the Nazarene forming the second largest community; other sizeable denominations are the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Assemblies of God, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Islam is the largest minority religion. Judaism had a historical presence during the colonial era. Atheists constitute less than 1 percent of the population. Many Cape Verdeans syncretize Christianity with indigenous African beliefs and customs.
Almost twice as many Cape Verdeans live abroad (nearly one million) than in the country itself. The islands have a long history of emigration and Cape Verdeans are highly dispersed worldwide, from Macau to Haiti and Argentina to Sweden. The diaspora may be much larger than official statistics indicate, as, until independence in 1975, Cape Verdean immigrants had Portuguese passports.
The majority of Cape Verdeans live in the United States and Western Europe, with the former hosting the largest overseas population at 500,000. Most Cape Verdeans in the U.S. are concentrated in New England, particularly the cities of Providence, New Bedford, and Boston; Brockton, has the largest community of any American city (18,832).
Cape Verdeans have been migrating to Massachusetts since the 1840s, but most of the current population arrived in the 1970s. They are now one of the top ten immigrant groups in Boston, and the largest hailing from Africa. The first wave of Cape Verdean immigrants came to Massachusetts to work in the whaling industry. When whaling declined, they moved into maritime jobs, seasonal agricultural work (like picking cranberries), and factory work. The second wave of Cape Verdean immigrants arrived after Cape Verde gained independence in 1975. They also found work in factories, but as manufacturing plants closed down, they moved into the service industry in the 1990's. Cape Verdean immigrants have also developed a vibrant small business sector, including restaurants, groceries, real estate and insurance offices, and other enterprises. Cape Verdean immigrants in the U.S. have a long history of enlistment in the U.S. military, with a presence in every major conflict from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War.
Due to centuries of colonial ties, the second largest number of Cape Verdeans live in Portugal (150,000), with sizable communities in the former Portuguese colonies of Angola (45,000) and São Tomé and Príncipe (25,000). Major populations exist in countries with cultural and linguistic similarities, such as Spain (65,500), France (25,000), Senegal (25,000), and Italy (20,000). Other large communities live in the United Kingdom (35,500), the Netherlands (20,000, of which 15,000 are concentrated in Rotterdam), and Luxembourg and Scandinavia (7,000). Outside the U.S. and Europe, the biggest Cape Verdean populations are in Mexico (5,000) and Argentina (8,000).
Over the years, Cape Verde has increasingly become a net recipient of migrants, due to its relatively high per capita income, political and social stability, and civil freedom. Chinese make up a sizeable and important segment of the foreign population, while nearby West African countries account for most immigration. In the 21st century, a few thousand Europeans and Latin Americans have settled in the country, mostly professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees. Over 22,000 foreign-born residents are naturalized, hailing from over 90 countries.
The Cape Verdean diaspora experience is reflected in many artistic and cultural expressions, most famously the song Sodade by Cesária Évora.
The infant mortality rate among Cape Verdean children between 0 and 5 years old is 15 per 1,000 live births according to the latest (2017) data from the National Statistics Bureau, while the maternal mortality rate is 42 deaths per 100,000 live births. The HIV-AIDS prevalence rate among Cape Verdeans between 15 and 49 years old is 0.8%.
According to the latest data (2017) from the National Statistics Bureau, life expectancy at birth in Cape Verde is 76.2 years; that is, 72.2 years for males and 80.2 years for females. There are six hospitals in the Cape Verde archipelago: two central hospitals (one in the capital city of Praia and one in Mindelo, São Vicente) and four regional hospitals (one in Santa Catarina (northern Santiago region), one on São Antão, one on Fogo, and one on Sal). In addition, there are 28 health centers, 35 sanitation centers, and a variety of private clinics located throughout the archipelago.
Cape Verde's population is among the healthiest in Africa. Since its independence, it has greatly improved its health indicators. Besides having been promoted to the group of "medium development" countries in 2007, leaving the least developed countries category (becoming the second country to do so ), as of 2020 it was the 11th best ranked country in Africa in its Human Development Index.
The total expenditure on health was 7.1% of GDP (2015).
Although the Cape Verdean educational system is similar to the Portuguese system, over the years the local universities have been increasingly adopting the American educational system; for instance, all ten existing universities in the country offer four-year bachelor's degree programs as opposed to five-year bachelor's degree programs that existed before 2010. Cape Verde has the second best educational system in Africa, after South Africa. Primary school education in Cape Verde is mandatory and free for children between the ages of six and fourteen years.
In 2011, the net enrolment ratio for primary school was 85%. Approximately 90% of the total population over 15 years of age is literate, and roughly 25% of the population holds a college degree; a significant number of these college graduates hold doctorate degrees in different academic fields. Textbooks have been made available to 90 percent of school children, and 98 percent of the teachers have attended in-service teacher training. Although most children have access to education, some problems remain. For example, there is insufficient spending on school materials, lunches, and books.
, there were 69 secondary schools throughout the archipelago (including 19 private secondary schools) and at least 10 universities in the country, which are based on the two islands of Santiago and São Vicente. In 2015, 23% of the Cape Verdean population had either attended or graduated from secondary schools. When it came to higher education, 9% of Cape Verdean men and 8% of Cape Verdean women held a bachelor's degree or had attended universities. The overall college education rate (i.e., college graduates and undergraduate students) in Cape Verde is about 24%, of the local college-age population. The total expenditure on education was 5.6% of GDP (2010). The mean years of schooling of adults over 25 years is 12.
These trends were held in 2017. Cape Verde stands out in West Africa for the quality and inclusiveness of its higher education system. As of 2017, one in four young people attended university and one-third of students opted for fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Women made up one-third of students but two-thirds of graduates in 2018.
In 2011, Cape Verde devoted just 0.07% of its GDP to research and development, among the lowest rates in West Africa. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture plan to strengthen the research and academic sectors by emphasizing greater mobility, through exchange programmes and international cooperation agreements. As part of this strategy, Cape Verde is participating in the Ibero-American academic mobility programme that expects to mobilize 200,000 academics between 2015 and 2020. Cape Verde was ranked 89th in the Global Innovation Index in 2021.
Cape Verde counted 25 researchers in 2011, a researcher density of 51 per million inhabitants. The world average was 1,083 per million in 2013. All 25 researchers were working in the government sector in 2011 and one in three were women (36%). There was no research being conducted in either medical or agricultural sciences. Of the eight engineers involved in research and development, one was a woman. Three of the five researchers working in natural sciences were women, as were three of the six social scientists and two of the five researchers from the humanities.
In 2015, the government announced a project to build a technology park for business, research, and development. As of late 2020, the project, now named TechPark Cabo Verde, is slated for completion in June 2022. The project is funded by both the African Development Bank and the government of Cape Verde. The goal of the endeavour, according to Cape Verde Minister of Finance Olavo Correia, is "to attract large international companies to set up shop [in order] to help local companies and start-ups become more competitive".
Cape Verde has a high rate of internet penetration and a growing mobile phone market. The government has invested in improving ICT infrastructure and has created a number of initiatives to promote the development of the digital economy. The digital economy has the potential to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life for people in Cape Verde.
Theft and burglary are common in Cape Verde, especially in crowded environments such as marketplaces, festivals, and celebrations. Often the perpetrators of these crimes are gangs of street children. Murders are concentrated in the major population centres of Praia and Mindelo.
Cities:
