Cape Verde Carnival on Sao Vicente is the most celebrated and colourful event of the year
If you’re ready for some winter sun, then you can’t do much better than a holiday on Cape Verde This wonderful archipelago of nine islands has secluded beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, and a rich cultural history. Why not enjoy the warmth of the sun during Cape Verde carnival celebrations, a festival of cultural significance for the inhabitants.
The Harbour town of Mindelo on Sao Vicente
The charming coastal town of Mindelo sets the stage for this popular procession and provides a beautiful backdrop for the event. Transatlantic sailing boats sit anchored in the bay, and the brightly coloured buildings of Mindelo are nestled at the foot of a rocky mountain range. This is a hugely popular event, so it’s worth booking well in advance if you want to secure your place for 2027. As well as enjoying the highlights of carnival, you can explore the island on an off-road jeep tour, visiting fishing villages, sand dunes, and points of historical and geographical interest. We can also arrange for some time on a secluded beach.
The Main Carnival Parade – Shrove Tuesday 9th February 2027
The main carnival parade is held every year on shrove Tuesday. The streets fill with people of all ages, all dressed in vibrantly coloured costumes. There are moving carnival floats, each with a cultural theme, and dancers accompanied by samba beats. There are choreographed group dances, individual participants, and percussion groups. The atmosphere is electrifying and it is truly a fantastic time to be on the island. Tens of thousands of people take part in the carnival in Mindelo and local districts compete to win the coveted accolade of best street float.
A month of carnival celebrations
There are celebrations and performances for the whole month leading up to the parade. Every weekend, groups perform and bands play in the streets and bars. The atmosphere intensifies on the week of carnival and there are performances, parties, street stalls, and live bands throughout Mindelo. Residents prepare for carnival all year and it’s such a treat to be a part of it, and the perfect way to understand and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Mandinga Groups
Though carnival celebrations go on across the islands, Sao Vicente’s carnival is the biggest. One element of carnival unique to Sao Vicente is Mandinga. Men and boys paint themselves all over in oil and black tar and dress in warrior costumes, often carrying speers. It is said that the Mandinga performances are a way for Cape Verdeans to take ownership of their African identity. And also to honour their African ancestors who were enslaved on Cape Verde during the height of the Portuguese Empire.
There are a couple of theories around how this Mandinga tradition evolved but the most popular one relates to the Mandinga Tribe in western Africa. In the 60’s, members of the tribe passed through Sao Vicente on their way to participate in an independence party in Portugal. They performed for the people of Mindelo and it’s thought that their revolutionary spirit must have inspired the inhabitants.
Parties, Performances, and Tropical Parades.
Because celebrations for carnival start in January, there are lots of parties that go on during this time. Though the stages get filled by VIP members, visitors can soak up celebrations on the streets of Mindelo. The most significant days are the Main Parade, the day prior, and the day after.
💃🏼The Samba Tropical Parade: Monday 8th February 2027
🎺The Main Parade: Shrove Tuesday 9th February 2027
Most people looking to experience the fun of carnival want to combine it with range of other experiences. You can watch the main parade and perhaps enjoy a some of the live music in the evenings in Mindelo, then take the ferry across to peaceful Santo Antao, or perhaps head to the quite cove and beach at Tarrafal on Santiago.
If you have any questions about combing the highlights of the carnival with a range of your preferred holiday experiences, chat to Max or Jake: team@archipelagochoice.com
