Culture & Art in Cabo Verde
If it is true that Cabo Verde is a destination that enchants with its natural riches, it is no less true that this land is made up of history and culture. African and European legacies blend here, making the destination even more captivating.
Nôs Heransa di Kultura di Cabo Verde ta um tesôru valioso ki fla sobri nos raiz i identidadi. El ta manifesta na nos múzika, kantiga, dansa, gastronomia, artesanatu i mais. É un património ku nu ta prezerva i partilha ku orgulhu pa geraçon futuru - Our Cabo Verde Cultural Heritage is a valuable treasure that speaks of our roots and identity. It is expressed through our music, songs, dance, gastronomy, craftsmanship, and more. It is a heritage that we preserve and proudly share with future generations.
Island of Santo Antão: culture with touches of art
Blue and vast sea, rocks embedded in the horizon, and lush valleys mark the wonderful landscape of Santo Antão island. But there is much more to discover beyond natural beauty.
Monuments
- Fort São João Baptista
- Houses of the Islands
Churches
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Urban Art
- Mural by artist Hérmano Monteiro
- Murals from the Mauroland project
Source capeverdeislands.org
Crafts
- Basketry
- Woodworking
- Weaving
Traditions
-Carnival
-Saint John's Day celebration
-Morna music
Island of São Vicente: "Land of peace, land of joy"
São Vicente boasts a strong cultural heritage that deserves to be celebrated.
Monuments
- Diogo Gomes Monument
- Palace of the People.
- Fortim do Rei
Churches
- Nossa Senhora da Luz Church
- Cathedral Nossa Senhora da Luz
- São Francisco Church
Urban Art
Urban art has been gaining prominence on the streets of São Vicente.
Handicrafts
Embroidery, ceramics and crafts.
Traditions
- Mindelo Carnival
- Baía das Gatas Festival
- Saint John's Day
Santa Luzia Island
As an uninhabited island, cultural activities are non-existent.
Island of São Nicolau: Sodade / Dess nha terra São Nicolau
São Nicolau is synonymous with resilient people, legends and beliefs, and stories told under a hot sun.
Monuments
- Casa da Dona Chiquinha (House of Dona Chiquinha)
- Fortim de São Francisco (Fortress of São Francisco)
- Former Tarrafal Concentration Camp
Churches
- Matriz Church of Our Lady of the Conception
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary
Urban Art
- Nhu Txada d'Santanton Festival
Handicrafts
- Weaving, ceramics, embroidery and wooden musical instruments.
Traditions
- Morna Festival
- Nha Santa Catarina Festival.
Ilha do Sal is living heritage
Known for its white sandy beaches, Ilha do Sal is also rich in culture.
Monuments
- African Diaspora Monument
Churches
- Church of Santa Maria
- Church of São Francisco de Assis
- Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça
- Chapel of Santa Catarina
Traditions
- The traditions on Ilha do Sal revolve around music which is an integral part of the island's culture.
Crafts
- Craftsmen use a variety of materials such as shells, straw, wood, and fabric to create unique pieces.
Urban Art
- On Ilha do Sal, urban art explores the Cabo Verdean culture and history and can be admired predominantly in Santa Maria, Espargo, and Kite Beach.
Boa Vista Island: Traditions that span through time
Boa Vista is an island with a rich and diverse cultural history.
Monuments
- Fort of São João Baptista
- Morro Negro Lighthouse
- Cabral Statue
Churches
- Our Lady of the Conception Church
- Saint Anthony's Church
- São João Baptista Church
Handicrafts
- Ceramic pieces, embroidered items, and hand-carved wooden objects.
Traditions
- Traditional dances like morna, coladeira, and funaná are some of the highlights of the island.
Maio Island: A piece of paradise
Warm, peaceful and protected. That's how Maio Island is described, a small piece of paradise in the middle of the Atlantic.
Monuments
- Maio Lighthouse
- House of Culture
Churches
- Church of Our Lady of Light
Handicrafts
- Basketry and wood sculptures and weaving.
Traditions
- Religious festivals
- Carnival
Island of Santiago
Giant mountains, verdant valleys, and colonial marks fill the island with unique contrasts. A true bastion of African culture where memories persist.
Monuments
- Royal Fort of São Filipe
- Convent of São Francisco
- Praia Lighthouse
Churches
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace
- Church of Our Lady of Light
- Church of Our Lady of the Conception
Urban Art
Inspired by Cabo Verdean culture and social themes.
Handicrafts
Many materials are used to construct unique pieces that reflect the history and culture of the people.
Traditions
Morna music, food, and carnival are all highlights.
Ilha do Fogo: The home of the volcano is steeped in traditions.
Despite its rugged appearance, Ilha do Fogo is a living repository of culture and art.
Monuments
- São Filipe Municipal Museum
- Old Town of São Filipe
Churches
- Nossa Senhora do Socorro Church
- São Lourenço Church
- Santo António Church
Street Art
- On Ilha do Fogo, street art is on the rise and vibrant, colorful murals can be seen throughout the island.
Handicrafts
- Pottery, jewelry-making, and wooden sculptures are popular handicrafts on the island.
Traditions
- Festival de São Filipe
- Traditional dances
Ilha Brava: Capital of vibrant flowers and colors
Brava is a place filled with charm and hidden treasures. It's also a land of unique flavors and strong traditions.
Monuments
- Dona Amélia Lighthouse
- Eugénio Tavares' House
Churches
- Nossa Senhora do Monte Church
- São João Baptista Church
- São Pedro Chapel
Handicrafts
- Basketry and weaving using palm tree and banana straw.
Traditions
- There is a strong musical tradition on the island, as well as religious celebrations during Easter Week and Christmas.
Rich and Colorful Cuisine
Creole cuisine is rich, colorful, and extremely diverse. Fish is one of the most common ingredients used, along with aromatic herbs, spices, and corn. Some of the most typical dishes and delicacies include:
- Cachupa: made with meat or fish, stewed beans and corn served with cooked vegetables, potatoes, and boiled bananas.
- Sweated Lobster: lobster is a highly utilized ingredient in Cabo Verdean cuisine. With a strong taste of garlic, lemon zest and a hint of spice it's one of the most sought-after delicacies.
- Modje: fried or grilled fish with spicy onions and tomato sauce.
- Fried Moray Eel: breaded moray eel that's truly delicious.
- Xerém: creamed ground corn that's served as an accompaniment to fish or meat dishes.
- Fish Pasties: savory pastry filled with fish cooked in onion, garlic tomato sauce enriched by fragrant herbs.
- Cassava Fritters with Honey Syrup: traditional cassava fritters fried then coated in honey syrup for added sweetness.
- Traditional Beverages: The pontche stands out - a fruit-based or honey drink mixed into grogue (a high alcohol content sugar cane distillate).
Overall this cuisine offers unique flavors you won't find anywhere else!
Explore Cabo Verde
Sun and beach, mountain trails, landscapes of a nature that so easily springs up everywhere and a wealth of customs and traditions that does not translate into any price: Cabo Verde is a paradise that rests by the sea.
With the morabeza of the people and the magic that is only found in Islands of sun and sea, this archipelago is a universe of experiences to discover.
Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter and discover travel experiences you’ll really want to try.