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What to do in CAPE VERDE: The Island That SINGS



Cape Verde, have you heard of it? A nation made up of 10 islands, each with its own charm and personality. But there is something they all have in common: music. From Mornas to Coladeiras, rhythm and poetry fill the daily lives of Cape Verdeans.

 



Here, every step of our journey seems to be accompanied by a soundtrack. In the capital, Praia, at the Sucupira market, the buzz of negotiations is accompanied by the sound of radios playing the most popular songs. On the island of Santo Antão, between green valleys, the sound of the waters of the streams mixes with the melodies played by the local inhabitants. And on the island of São Vicente, the city of Mindelo is known as the 'cultural capital' of the country, the birthplace of many Cape Verdean musicians.

 



Cape Verde's currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo and the official language is Portuguese, but Cape Verdean Creole is also spoken, a unique mix of Portuguese and African dialects. For Brazilians, visiting the country does not require a visa, just a valid passport.

We were in Cape Verde coming from Lisbon on a flight that goes from LISBON - ILHA DO SAL and then ILHA DO SAL - FORTALEZA, we took advantage of the stop over to get to know this country that speaks our language.


Now, the promised curiosity: music is so important to Cape Verde that it has even produced a Grammy winner: singer Cesária Évora, the 'Diva dos Pés Descalços', who sang about mornas - a typical musical form of the country, full of melancholy, longing and beauty.


Beaches and Water Activities: Cape Verde is world-renowned for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, especially on Sal Island and Boa Vista Island, which are perfect for activities such as swimming, diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beaches of Santa Maria in Sal and Chaves and Santa Mónica in Boa Vista are particularly popular with tourists looking to relax in the sun and practice water sports.

Culture and Music: Cape Verde's culture is a fusion of African and Portuguese influences, which is reflected in its music, dance and festivals. Traditional music, such as Funaná, Morna and Coladeira, plays a central role in the lives of Cape Verdeans. Morna, in particular, is a melancholic musical form that was popularized internationally by Cesária Évora, known as the "Barefoot Diva".

Gastronomy: Cape Verde cuisine is another highlight, characterized by a mix of African, Portuguese and Brazilian flavors. Dishes such as cachupa (a rich stew of corn, beans and meat or fish) and grog (an alcoholic drink distilled from sugar cane) are unmissable.

Natural Landscapes: In addition to the beaches, Cape Verde offers impressive natural landscapes, from the green valleys of Santo Antão to the volcanic landscapes of Fogo Island, where visitors can climb Pico do Fogo, the highest point in the archipelago. Santiago Island, where the capital Praia is located, offers a combination of beaches, mountains and important historical sites such as Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sustainable Tourism: In recent years, Cape Verde has strived to promote sustainable tourism, aiming to preserve its environment and local culture while welcoming tourists. This includes developing eco-friendly accommodation and promoting activities that have a positive impact on local communities.


Cape Verde is much more than beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. It is also a place where music is the soul of the people, a country that sings and enchants.


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