The largest celebrations are held on the island of Sao Vicente, and festivals are a popular pastime for Cape Verdeans. See the Full Moon Festival at Baia das Gatas, held at the end of August, and the Creole Festival in Mindelo, which takes place every February and is inspired by Brazilian carnival celebrations and costumes with a touch of Portuguese culture. The Cape Verdean calendar includes the following dates:

These could be anything from a musical performance to a religious festival. A few well-known festivals that happen on the islands are listed below.

Celebrations at São Vicente

São Vicente is home to two of the most extravagant festivals: first, an exotic carnival with Brazilian elements in mid-February, and second, a beach music and culture festival under the full moon in August that draws musicians and tourists from all over the archipelago:

Every year on Shrove Tuesday, São Vicente Carnival

The Carnival, which draws inspiration from Brazilian carnivals and incorporates Portuguese flavors from their shared heritage, is the most well-liked feast of São Vicente. Both locals and visitors to Cape Verde greatly enjoy the street parades. The biggest celebrations start as early as nine in the morning in the village of Mindelo!

August Full Moon - São Vicente Baía das Gatas Festival

Every year, the Baia das Gatas Music Festival takes place during the full moon in August. often an extended weekend. This festival, brimming with musicians, is an authentic celebration.

Sal Festivals

Just a few of the festivities that occur on Sal are as follows:

August 15, Nossa Sra. De Piedade, or Our Lady of Pity

Events include mass, processions, swimming competitions, and beach music festivals featuring local musicians.

September is Municipality Day and the Santa Maria Festival

This annual music festival takes place in the Santa Maria resort area and has a variety of musical bands along with food and drink vendors for everyone to enjoy.

Festivals at Boa Vista

A few festivals are held on the island, such as the annual music festival held in August in Santa Cruz. The other major event that is colorful is:

July 4 is Santa Isabel (Municipality Day)

the feast day of Santa Isabel, the island's patron saint. commemorated with public balls, swimming, horse racing, tours, and processions.

Santiago's festivities

Just a few of the festivals held on Santiago are as follows:

May: Gamboa Festival

Conducted at San Francisco Bay, this music event is possibly the largest in Cape Verde. International musicians travel to Santiago to take part.

June/July Tabanka

A celebration held in Assomada to commemorate the freedom of slaves.

Though it is always present, music in Cape Verde never feels theatrical or performance based; rather, it is ingrained in the very fabric of island life and both informs and is informed by the frequently harsh history and culture of the islands.

Almost subtly, the driving surges of the Funanas and the subtle rhythms and melodies of the mornas seep into you during your visit, and when you return, you'll find yourself humming songs you never realized you knew and maybe even dancing around aimlessly. Here are a few instances of Cape Verdean music:

The Morna

The morna is said to have originated on the island of Boa Vista, and its name is thought to have come from the French or English words morne, which means sadness. In its traditional form, the morna is undoubtedly influenced by a sense of tragedy and melancholy, or what the Cape Verdeans refer to as sodade, or the longing for one's native land. Another theory holds that the morna evolved from traditional songs sung by the population of imported slaves.

Regardless of its origins, the cavaquinho, a rudimentary instrument resembling a ukulele, and violins are among the stringed instruments typically used in its performance. It is a very touching form that is exclusive to the islands.

The Batuko

The spectacle of the batuko is really amazing. It is an African dance style with intricate interlocking drum patterns at its core. Dancers typically execute it in a circle with other female drummers, fiercely gyrating their hips until the drum patterns reach a peak, at which time they are changed by the next dancer.

The rhythms of the dancers' movements nearly induce a purgative force, and it may be very overwhelming. Besides, some of the dancing is so intensely emotional and rhythmic that you might find yourself forced to participate!

The Funana

The Funana, whose native island is Santiago, is another African-sounding song genre that is resolutely anti-colonial. It is primarily centered on the accordion's sound and is distinguished by pounding rhythms and monotonous call-and-response vocal patterns.

It's the kind of thing that keeps coming back to you, and before you know it, you become addicted to it and can't stop swaying and wagging your hips. All around the islands, you can hear it playing loudly via car windows, on the radio, and in local pubs and clubs.