São Vicente Island

São Vicente (in Creole: Sanvicente or Soncente) is the second most populous island in Cabo Verde. It was discovered in 1462, and was the last of the islands to be populated (around the mid-19th century), given the endemic lack of water.

From the golden period, the city of Mindelo conserves a relatively well preserved historic center, where colonial-style architecture predominates, with a good example being the Governor's Palace.

The main city on the island of São Vicente is the city of Mindelo, the island of São Vicente is seen by many as the cultural island of Cape Verde, being this the most developed city in the archipelago. Like the other islands, it is of volcanic origin, and despite the strong erosion, some volcano craters are still visible, such as the Viana volcano, in the east of the island, and the bay of Porto Grande. It has a dry tropical climate , and although there are two seasons, it is possible to visit the island all year round.

The island, with an arid aspect and almost no vegetation, has fishing, the exploration of its busy sea port (Porto Grande, which serves as a transatlantic stop) and tourism as its main sources of income. Currently, there is already a significant foreign investment in the area of clothing, footwear and fish processing.

Anyone going to Cape Verde has to spend a few days on the island of São Vicente, in terms of tourism and culture it is a fabulous place.

Getting to know the city of Mindelo is imperative, especially its historic centre, but the entire city, indeed the entire island of Santiago, is a surprise, so it has to be explored!

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City of Mindelo

Baia Gatas São Vicente

Belem Tower

And those who pass through the city of Mindelo have to listen and dance to Morna in one of its typical bars accompanied by a tasty poncha, the night in Mindelo is lively and full of rhythms.

Music and dance are important cultural events.

The morna is a musical and dance genre from Cape Verde proclaimed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on December 11, 2019, the morna is a true national symbol. Traditionally played with acoustic instruments, the morna reflects the insular reality of the people of Cape Verde, the intoxicating romanticism of its troubadours and the love for the land (having to leave and wanting to stay). Many are the singers of this magnificent musical genre, but her greatest reference is Cesária Évora, who in 2004 won a Grammy award for best contemporary world music album.

A visit to the Cesária Évora Museum Center in Mindelo is essential, as well as a visit to the mural by the Portuguese Street Artist Alexandre Farto aka VIHLS, in the back of the Municipal Library of Mindelo – the image of the singer was carved in bas-relief with drill, in October 2019.

Mindelo Bay

It is also mandatory to pass by Monte Verde, the highest point on the island with 774 meters of altitude, which allows you to have a panoramic view of the island and an impressive view over Mindelo Bay. There are still some ancient volcanic craters along the island, most of them eroded by time, but still noticeable in the landscape and reminding us of the island's volcanic origin.

Bay of Gatas

The beaches of the island of São Vicente with its white sands attract many tourists, namely the famous beach of Baía das Gatas with its extraordinary natural swimming pool, Praia Grande, Calhau beach and São Pedro beach. The Natural Pool of Viana Volcano – Aldeia do Calhau is phenomenal

Mindelo Carnival

Also unmissable are the Mindelo Carnival and the Baía das Gatas International Music Festival and the Mindelact Festival. The Baía das Gatas Festival takes place in August during the weekend of the full moon and lasts for three days. The first edition took place in 1984. It was not only the first but also the only music festival until 1992, the year in which the Gamboa Festival was created, which takes place in Praia. The Baía das Gatas Festival is nicknamed the Woodstock of Africa! For the most revelers, the centenary Mindelo Carnival is a must, which is still very Brazilian – they consider it many – has a charm and magic that only Cape Verdeans from Santiago can transmit to it!

Cape Verde International Theater Festival (Mindelact)

The Cape Verde International Theater Festival (Midelact) – whose first edition was in 1995 – is Cape Verde's main theater event and currently the most important theater event in all of Lusophone Africa. It is now considered the most important theatrical event in West Africa. Since 2017, it has been held in November. In addition to shows for adult audiences, and many other cultural initiatives, there is also a theater festival dedicated to children – Teatrolândia. The Festival has dozens of shows, many of which are world premieres and with artists from many foreign countries. The island of Santiago has an agenda with an extensive cultural offer – music, theatre, fairs and pilgrimage parties.

Funana

Funaná – music and dance – cannot be forgotten either! Its main instruments are the accordion (known as the Gaita) and the ironworks. The accordion was introduced in an attempt to acculturate the people to traditional Portuguese music, however it gave rise to a new and genuine music genre (this is just one of the probable origins of this musical genre, there are others). Funaná has several variants. But the island of São Vicente has much more to offer tourists.

It is also mandatory to go to Monte Verde, the highest point of the island with 774 meters of altitude, which allows you to have a panoramic view of the island and an impressive view over the Mindelo Bay. There are also along the island some old volcanic craters, most eroded by time but still visible in the landscape and that remind us of the volcanic origin of the island.

Gastronomy

Then comes the stomach, and the gastronomy of Santiago is a temptation for the eyes and palate.

Poor Cachupa

Santiago is an island with a varied gastronomy, with many of its dishes based on seafood – especially the poor cachupa, the seafood gibbean rice, the barnacle stew, the natural lobster and the grilled tuna steak. Meat is also an important component of gastronomy, especially the rich cahupa and feijoada.

Feijoada - Bean Stew

Boiled lobster / Lobster au Naturel

The island of São Vicente is a world within the world, on your next vacation come and meet us!