São Vicente - Music and Culture
It is one of the most populous islands in the Cape Verdean archipelago and is home to the second-largest city, Mindelo. São Vicente is known for its vibrant music scene and rich culture.
São Vicente – Mindelo
São Vicente is one of the dry islands of the Cape Verdean archipelago. Although the island is relatively small at 227 square kilometers, it is home to 80,000 inhabitants. About 80% live in the region around the capital, Mindelo. The 750-meter-high Monte Verde mountain, the Madeiral massif, and the Fateixa massif dominate the landscape. On a clear day, you can see the whole island from the top.
For a long time, Mindelo was one of the largest ports in the Atlantic and, thus, an essential economic engine for the country. Although the port is not used as much today, Mindelo has retained its status as the cultural center of the Cape Verdean archipelago. The city is known for its music styles, such as Morna and Coladeira, and was once the cradle of these music styles by seafarers who wanted to amuse themselves on their travels.
In Mindelo, there are several attractions, such as the Mercado de Peixe (Fish Market), whose offerings give a glimpse of the incredible biodiversity of the Cape Verde Islands. A little further on is the Torre de Belém, a replica of a port tower from Lisbon. With its beautiful mansions, the shore road invites you for a stroll.
The nightlife on São Vicente is exciting. Mindelo is a vibrant music town where you can experience the best of Cape Verdean culture. There is live music in the numerous bars and restaurants in the evenings, and you will have no trouble finding a place to eat and listen to the talented musicians. Be sure to try the grogue, the local drink, which comes in many different flavors.
Many visitors to São Vicente choose to visit Santo Antão, the greenest island in the archipelago. A one-hour ferry ride will take you to this beautiful island of rugged mountains and verdant valleys, which is very popular with hikers and a recommended highlight of any stay.
Surfing on São Vicente
Apart from Laginha Beach in Mindelo, most other beaches on São Vicente are a real treat for windsurfers (best conditions from November to April). São Pedro is probably one of the best beaches in the world for speed windsurfing. The sandy beach of Calhau was included in the European professional course in 1997. The Baia das Gatas in the north of the island, which can be reached by jeep, is ideal for swimming due to its natural lagoon.
Music & Festivals on São Vicente
Festivals are an essential pastime for Cape Verdeans, with the biggest celebrations taking place on the island of São Vicente. In Mindelo, the Creole Festival is held every year in February. It is inspired by Brazilian carnival celebrations and costumes with a Portuguese touch. At the end of August, the Full Moon Festival is held in Baia das Gatas.
The most famous celebration in São Vicente is the Carnival, inspired by the Brazilian Carnival and mixed with the common Portuguese history. The street parades to the rhythms of the batucadas (drum groups) are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The biggest celebrations take place in the city of Mindelo and can begin as early as 9 am! The Carnival takes place on Shrove Tuesday. The date for 2023 is Tuesday, the 21st of February, and 2024 is Tuesday, the 13th of February. Preparations and small celebrations take place the week before.
Baia das Gatas Festival – Full Moon in August
The Baia das Gatas music festival occurs every year at full moon in August. Usually, it’s a long weekend. This festival is a real party with its many artists and bands. It is the most famous music festival in Cape Verde and was the only music festival in the country for the first few years until the Festival de Gamboa was founded in Praia on Santiago Island in 1992. It is nicknamed the “Woodstock of Africa”. Check out the festival’s Facebook page for lots of videos and photos.
For more information on the other islands of Cape Verde, see our island guide. Everything you need to know about traveling to the Cape Verde Islands can be found in our blog article!