Experience Cape Verde Culture & Make Incredible Family Memories

Pristine sandy beaches, clear waters, and sunshine beckon holidaymakers to the shores of Sal and Boa Vista every year. But what sets Cape Verde apart? Why choose it over any other beach destination for your family getaway? It’s not just about the stunning scenery; it’s about the heartbeat of the place—the Cape Verde culture.

The moment you step off the plane, the Cape Verdean way of life envelopes you. The national mantra, “No Stress” challenges you to sigh a breath of relief and leave everyday stresses behind, at least for a while.

It’s time to focus on just you and your family. For the next week or two, you have uninterrupted time together to create incredible memories.

And while the beaches are undeniably beautiful, the most cherished memories will stem from what makes Cape Verde truly special. Its people and its culture.

In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to the basics of Cape Verdean culture so that you can step beyond your resort with confidence and excitement.

Let’s look at how your family can have amazing cultural experiences in Cape Verde that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Traveling as a family is one of the best forms of education we can offer our children. When we immerse ourselves in new cultures, we not only create incredible memories, but we also open our children’s minds to new possibilities.
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What Is Cape Verde Famous For?

Morabeza lies at the heart of Cape Verde’s cultural identity, much like the warm spirit of “aloha” in Hawaii. This term encapsulates the very essence of Cape Verdean hospitality and kindness. It paints a vivid picture of a nation well known for its warm embrace and open-hearted spirit.

However, the story of Cape Verde hasn’t always been so light. Dark narratives of slavery and Portuguese colonization are woven into the history of the islands. Centuries of bloodshed, deadly droughts, and oppression paved the way for the peaceful island life we see in Cape Verde today.

Cape Verdean people fought for and gained independence in 1975. And the fact that we can enjoy this holiday destination is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people.

As visitors, we must acknowledge the history and heritage of a place. Doing so provides a deeper understanding of the people and their culture. Rather than transplanting our own lives and cultural norms into a place, we have an opportunity to experience life from a new perspective, even if just for a short time.

In Cape Verde, the culture is a beautiful blend of African and Portuguese influences reflected in the language, food, music, and dance. Let’s take a closer look at the many different aspects of Cape Verde culture.

1. Cape Verde Language

Cape Verdean Creole, also known as Kriolu or Kabuverdianu is the mother tongue in Cape Verde. This language is used in most day-to-day communication. But it’s not the only language spoken in Cape Verde. Portuguese is also used in more formal settings such as education and documents.

In tourist areas, like hotels, resorts, and attractions, you might find some English-speaking people. However, venturing beyond these spaces with a grasp of Cape Verdean Creole or Portuguese will allow you to feel more confident and connect more deeply with the locals.

Learning even a few basic phrases in Cape Verdean Creole or Portuguese can open doors to a more immersive cultural experience. And making an effort to speak the local languages is always a warmly appreciated gesture.

Here are some basic Kriolu and Portuguese phrases to add to your family’s travel toolkit before you visit Cape Verde.

Portuguese

Olá! (Hello!)

Bon dia! (Good morning!)

Bon tarde! (Good afternoon!)

Bon noite! (Good evening!)

Por favor (Please)

Obrigado (for males) / Obrigada (for females) (Thank you)

De nada (You’re welcome)

Desculpa (informal) / Desculpe (formal) (Excuse me / Sorry)

Sim (Yes)

Não (No)

Como está? (How are you?)

Eu estou bem, obrigado(a) (I’m fine, thank you)

Qual é o seu nome? (What is your name?)

Água (Water)

Gostoso (Delicious!)

Conta, por favor (Bill, please)

Obrigada pa bo morabeza (Thank you for your morabeza)

Ate logo (Goodbye)

Cape Verdean Creole

Komo bu ta? (How are you?)

Nta bon, obrigado(a) (I’m fine, thank you)

Kuma bo nome? (What is your name?)

Unde é…? (Where is…?)

Kanto ê es? (How much is this?)

Onde é banhero? (Where is the bathroom?)

Nta kria… (I would like…)

Ajuda! (Help!)

Sim, n ta komprende (Yes, I understand)

N ka ta komprende (I don’t understand)

Ligua polisia (Call the police)

Desculpa, mester ajuda (Excuse me, I need help)

2. Cape Verdean Food & Drink

Cape Verdean cuisine is a delicious fusion of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian flavors. At the heart of it is the national dish, cachupa, a hearty stew brimming with corn, beans, vegetables, and a medley of meats. (In this blog post, you’ll discover a cachupa recipe perfect for a fun family cooking session at home).

Cape Verdean Cuisine (cachupa, pastel and canja) with Cape Verde Flag

Seafood takes center stage in Cape Verdean gastronomy, introducing dishes like “caldo de peixe,” a flavorful fish stew, and pastel d’atum, a savory tuna pastry. Wash these delicacies down with grogue, a traditional Cape Verdean spirit distilled from sugarcane.

Here are some fun ways to immerse yourselves in Cape Verde’s food culture during your family holiday:

Explore the Local Markets: Take a stroll through local markets, like the Sucupira Market in Praia or the Santa Maria Municipal Market in Sal. Chat with the vendors, sample the fresh produce, and immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

Book a Cooking Class: Sign up for a cooking class where the whole family can learn to prepare traditional Cape Verdean dishes.

Dine in Local Eateries: Venture beyond the resort areas and dine in local restaurants where they serve authentic Cape Verdean cuisine.

Try Street Food: Don’t miss out on the diverse street food offerings. Whether it’s the popular “pastel com diabo dentro” (devil inside) or the sweet “queijada,” street vendors offer a quick and tasty way to experience local flavors.

Local Homestays: Opt for a local homestay experience where families can not only enjoy home-cooked meals but also engage with their hosts, gaining insights into family recipes and cooking techniques. These experiences can be booked through the Resirest app.

3. Cape Verde Music & Dance

Music is at the heart and soul of Cape Verdean culture with diverse influences from Africa, Europe, Brazil, and the Caribbean. In the Barlavento islands (Sal, Boa Vista, Santo Antao, and Sao Vicente) there is a distinctly European sound, resonating with fado, polka, and mazurka. While on the Sotavento islands, (Santiago, Maio, Brava, and Fogo) the melodies are infused with more pronounced African influences. Brazilian vibes, in the form of bossa nova and samba, harmonize with the Caribbean beats of merengue and zouk.

Morna is a Cape Verdean music genre that encapsulates the essence of the islands. Sung in Cape Verdean Creole, this folk music is a soulful exploration of the country’s identity. Coladeira is another music genre renowned for its more upbeat rhythms. The late Cesaria Evora was a globally renowned artist who brought morna and coladeira to the ears and hearts of many.

Batuku was created by women working in the Portuguese fields who were banned from using drums. They transformed loin cloths into drums. The sounds produced a backbeat for vocals known as finison.

Funaná, rooted in Santiago, boasts a faster and more rhythmic nature. Couples often dance closely to this music.

To immerse your family in the Cape Verde music culture you could try booking your family holiday around one of the big music festivals:

Kriol Jazz Festival (Praia, Santiago): April

Baia das Gatas Festival (Sao Vicente): August

Santa Maria Music Festival (Sal): September 15th

4. Religion in Cape Verde

Religion in Cape Verde is not only a matter of faith but also an integral part of the country’s cultural and historical identity.

The majority of Cape Verdeans adhere to Catholicism, introduced during the Portuguese colonization. Festivals dedicated to saints bring the islands alive with processions, music, and traditional dances throughout the year.

In addition to Catholicism, Protestant evangelical churches and the Church of the Nazarene have gained followers over the years.

Santa Maria City Church, Sal, Cape Verde

A small minority practices other religions, including Islam, Judaism, and traditional African religions.

Cape Verde stands out for its religious tolerance. As of 2023, the nation received a perfect score of 4/4 for religious freedom, reflecting its commitment to respecting diverse faiths.

If you’re eager to delve deeper into religion and culture in Cape Verde, consider adding the following activities to your itinerary:

Attend a Religious Festival: Immerse yourself in the lively Catholic festivals dedicated to saints. These celebrations are marked by processions, music, and traditional dances, offering a vibrant experience for families. For a guide to some of the religious festivals, check out the calendar provided in this blog post.
Visit Local Places of Worship: Discover the architectural and cultural wonders of local Catholic and Protestant churches so you can appreciate the diverse religious heritage present on the islands.

5. History of Cape Verde

Views of Cildade Velha, Santiago from the fort — Views of Cildade Velha, Santiago from Fortaleza Real de San Felipe

Portuguese explorers landed on and claimed the Cape Verde islands in the 15th century. While it’s debated whether the islands were truly uninhabited, this era marks the beginning of a complex history.

The first colonial settlement, Ribeira Grande (Cidade Velha), emerged on Santiago Island in 1462. This early capital became a focal point for the transatlantic slave trade. Lasting landmarks remain today as a poignant reminder of a tragic past.

Ribeira Grande faced relentless pirate attacks in the 16th and 17th centuries. The capital was shifted inland to Praia, the current capital of Cape Verde.

Cape Verde remained a Portuguese colony until the mid-20th century when it gained full independence on July 5, 1975.

To delve deeper into Cape Verde’s history, Santiago Island offers a treasure trove of sites for families to explore:

Fortaleza Real de San Felipe: A historic fortress on the road to Cidade Velha offering panoramic views and insights into the island’s defense.

Cidade Velha: The first capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases architectural remnants and stories of the slave trade.

Rue Banana: A charming street with colonial-era buildings in Cidade Velha. Walk down this curved street and step back in time. Imagine what it was like to walk this street over 500 years ago.

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario: Located at the end of Rue Banana, is the original church built by slaves. The 5-euro ticket bought at Fortaleza Real de San Felipe can also be used for admission to this church (if it’s open when you visit).

Pelourinho: This stone pillar in thecenter of Cidade Velha marks the chilling spot where slaves were whipped and tortured.

Archeology Museum of Praia: This difficult-to-find small museum is well worth a visit. Here you’ll find plenty of artifacts found on shipwrecks around the islands.

Tarrafal Concentration Camp: Situated in Chao Bom in northern Santiago, this old prison is a somber reminder of the political history.

6. Cape Verde Art

Cape Verdean art weaves together influences from Africa, Europe, and the nation’s own rich identity. But what sets Cape Verdean art apart is its vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity.

Traditional crafts, such as the Batuque dolls and intricate weavings, showcase the skilled hands of local artisans. While contemporary paintings and sculptures capture the essence of Cape Verde’s landscapes, history, and dynamic culture.

Amilcar Cabral wallpainting in Praia by Paul Arps

Musical instruments are often transformed into artistic pieces which pays homage to Cape Verde’s deep connection to music. Traditional clothing in Cape Verde is also a form of artwork that can be seen in the lively displays at cultural festivals and in the intricate designs of Batik textiles.

If your family is big on art, you can immerse yourself in Cape Verde’s art culture in the following ways:

Check Out the Street Art: Urban areas, especially the capital city Praia, feature colorful street art that you cannot miss. Each mural tells a story of Cape Verde culture.

Enjoy Artistic Displays at Festivals: Cape Verde’s cultural festivals, like the famous Carnival, showcase vibrant costumes, masks, and artistic performances, creating a visually captivating experience.

Visit the National Museum of Ethnography: This small museum in Praia, Santiago houses a collection of traditional Cape Verdean art and household items.

7. Cape Verdean Clothing

In Cape Verde, clothing is more than just fabric – it’s a canvas of self-expression and cultural pride. Styles vary from one island to another.

For Cape Verdean women, traditional attire includes the Panu di Terra – an ensemble of long, flowing skirts paired with a matching blouse. These outfits are often laden with colorful patterns. Another tradition involves panos – lengthy strips of cloth that serve as a practical way to carry little ones.

Men’s cultural wear, on the other hand, is the Panu di Kriolu – comfortable, loose-fitting trousers accompanied by a smart button-up shirt.

In the modern era, the fashion landscape in Cape Verde has evolved. The younger generation, in particular, embraces Western-style clothing.

Whilst on your family holiday in Cape Verde, you could experience Cape Verde culture through clothing by:

Supporting Local Artisans: Purchase or commission clothing items from local Cape Verdean artisans. This not only adds authentic pieces to your wardrobe but also supports the talented craftspeople who keep traditional techniques alive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mother tongue in Cape Verde?

Do the people in Cape Verde speak English?

Key Takeaways on Cape Verde Culture

Embracing Cape Verdean culture as a family fosters deeper understanding, connection, and appreciation for local people and their way of living.

Why It Matters:

Education Through Exploration: Family travel is a powerful form of education that goes beyond textbooks. It’s an opportunity to open our children’s minds to diverse cultures and ways of life.

Creating Incredible Family Memories: By immersing ourselves in Cape Verde culture, our trip becomes more than just a beach holiday. We create memories that will last forever.

Cultivating Open-Mindedness: Embracing diverse traditions, music, and customs fosters a global perspective that will equip our children for the global economy.

Preserving Heritage Together: Active engagement with Cape Verdean culture allows us to contribute to preserving traditions.

As we immerse ourselves in the warm Morabeza, dance to the rhythms of Coladeira, and savor Cape Verdean cuisine, we become not just visitors but participants in Cape Verde culture.

On your Cape Verde holiday, step outside your comfort zone – its time to create bonds and memories while your children are still young!

Experience Cape Verde Culture & Make Incredible Family Memories

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