Events & Festivals in Cabo Verde

International marathon attracting runners worldwide. Courses along Sal's flat coastal roads with ocean views. Includes full marathon, half marathon, and fun run categories. Post-race beach celebrations and awards ceremony.

Celebration of Santo Antão's spectacular hiking trails. Guided hikes of varying difficulty, cultural exchanges with mountain communities, and traditional meals. Promotes sustainable tourism and appreciation of the island's dramatic landscapes.

São Vicente's spectacular Carnival, considered Cabo Verde's most dynamic. Features elaborate parades with colorful costumes, allegorical floats, and energetic music groups. The streets of Mindelo transform into a massive party with samba rhythms, traditional batucada, and creative themes. A celebration of Creole culture and artistic expression.

Capital's Carnival celebration with parades, costume competitions, and street parties. More formal than Mindelo's but equally lively. Features samba schools, allegorical floats, and musical competitions. Plateau and Achada districts host main events.

International kite surfing competition taking advantage of Sal's ideal wind conditions. World-class athletes compete in freestyle and racing disciplines. Spectator-friendly beach setup with commentary, equipment demos, and beginner lessons.

Beachside music festival on Boa Vista's beautiful shores. Focus on acoustic and world music in natural settings. Features local musicians and international artists. Intimate atmosphere with sunset performances.

Celebration of Fogo's famous coffee production in Chã das Caldeiras. Coffee tastings, plantation tours, traditional cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances. Showcases unique volcanic soil coffee and local agricultural traditions.

Major international music festival held in Praia's Gamboa beach area. Features local and international artists across genres including zouk, kizomba, funaná, and contemporary music. Multiple stages, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions. One of Cabo Verde's largest music events.

Fogo island's main cultural festival honoring its patron saint. Features horse parades, traditional 'bandeira' flag dances, and folk music competitions. Showcases unique Fogo traditions and colonial architecture in historic São Filipe.

Traditional Catholic festival honoring Saint John the Baptist, particularly energetic in Santo Antão. Features processions, bonfires, traditional music (morna, coladeira), and community feasts. Local families open homes to visitors for traditional meals and celebrations.

Celebration of Sal's fishing industry and maritime traditions. Fresh seafood cooking competitions, traditional boat displays, and fishing demonstrations. Features local specialties like tuna, wahoo, and lobster prepared in Cabo Verdean styles.

National celebration marking independence from Portugal in 1975. Official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural performances nationwide. Most significant celebrations in Praia with speeches, flag-raising, and traditional music. Communities host local parties and feasts.

Celebration of Tabanka, a unique cultural tradition from Santiago island. Features processions with traditional costumes, drumming, and symbolic performances reenacting historical resistance. Deep cultural significance for the African diaspora experience.

One of Cabo Verde's oldest and most beloved music festivals, held during full moon. Natural amphitheater setting by the sea features local and diaspora artists. Focus on traditional genres like morna, coladeira, and funaná. Family-friendly atmosphere with camping.

Important religious festival in Ribeira Grande, Santo Antão. Pilgrimage to the church followed by processions, traditional music, and community meals. One of the island's most significant religious events blending Catholic and local traditions.

Popular music festival attracting international visitors to Sal island. Features electronic, world music, and local Cabo Verdean artists. Beachside stages, DJ sets, and cultural workshops. Combines tourism with musical celebration in Santa Maria.

Quiet Maio island's main cultural event showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts. Focus on preserving unique local traditions away from mass tourism. Includes donkey races (traditional transport), folk theater, and community feasts.

International theater festival featuring local and visiting companies. Performances in Portuguese and Creole across various venues. Includes street theater, workshops, and discussions. Focus on Lusophone and African theatrical traditions.

Intimate jazz festival in Mindelo's cultural venues. Features local jazz musicians and international guests. Emphasis on jazz fusion with Cabo Verdean rhythms. Workshops and jam sessions for musicians and enthusiasts.

Marine sports festival including sailing regattas, fishing competitions, and water sports demonstrations. Environmental education programs and beach clean-ups. Highlights Cabo Verde's maritime culture and conservation efforts.

Important religious observance where families visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. Graves are cleaned, decorated with flowers and candles. Evening masses and processions. Solemn yet beautiful community tradition.

Contemporary arts exhibition featuring Cabo Verdean and Lusophone artists. Installations, paintings, sculpture, and multimedia works exploring Creole identity. Held in odd-numbered years at various cultural venues across the capital.

Seasonal markets selling crafts, decorations, and traditional holiday foods. Features local specialties like 'cuscus' (corn pudding), 'canja' (chicken soup), and homemade sweets. Live music and community gatherings in town squares.

Nationwide celebrations with fireworks, beach parties, and live music. Major events in Mindelo and Santa Maria feature famous musicians. Traditional 'ceia' (late dinner) with family followed by street parties until dawn.