Festivals in Cape Verde

What are the main festivals in Cape Verde? Are there art, food, music, film, or other festivals expats can attend and participate in? If Cape Verde has anything, it is festivals. Cape Verdeans will make any excuse to hold a big party. There are too many to name and they happen all year round in every island. JUST ASK THE LOCALS when is the next festival. It's probably next weekend so you'll be happy you asked. Be prepared to eat a lot and listen to ear-splitting music.

When do the festivals take place? How long does each festival usually last? Festivals take place all year round and occur almost every month, and on every island. The main festivals last 2-3 days. Again, there are way too many to name even the main festivals because there are just so many of them and every island has main festivals. In addition, there are many, many impromptu events organized by promoters and these usually last 1 or 2 days. You can go to a festival EVERY WEEKEND is the end result. JUST ASK THE LOCALS when and where is the next festival.

What activities go on during the festival? Is it necessary to buy tickets? Most festivals are based on MUSIC. So there will usually be multiple groups and singers at the festivals. There is of course the Carnaval festival which involves costumed revellers. There are also festivals where you will find DJs promoting popular music. So be prepared to dance. There is also a lot of food and drinks available for purchase. Many festivals require a small entry fee, typically 2€. But many are free. Less frequently, you may come across festivals based on arts and craft or some other form of local culture, but these are few and far between.

Are there any other events that take place in Cape Verde that shouldn't be missed? There are few "other" events. They include: Annual horse racing during the May 1 festivities in Fogo and Praia; the Cape Verde International Film Festival in Sal usually in October; the annual Theatre in Mindelo; the Cavala Fresco (fresh fish) in Mindelo in early July; the Corn Festival in Santiago in April. There are also various religious festivals and processions of the local Catholic Church.

All the events are usually published on Facebook so you can bookmark them and not miss anything. or better yet...JUST ASK THE LOCALS! Lol

Just a few words of warning...please don't get drunk or you may become a target. And be extremely aware of who is standing next to you or directly behind you - they may be pick pockets and you will not even feel when their hands are inside your pockets. Don't take your wallet, camera or cell phone out - they are often snatched and you won't know who did it because of the crowds. My best advice is to leave ALL your valuables (wallets, cameras, jewelry, cell phones at home). The festivals are a thieve's paradise.