Mindelo, the Cape Verdean Carnival that competes with the biggest ones
If we talk about Carnival, the most likely to come to mind immediately is that of Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Tenerife… If we think a little more, perhaps we remember the Mardi Gras in New Orleans or the Colombian Carnival of Barranquilla. But there is another one that, perhaps, does not appear in the lists of the best known, although that does not mean that it is not worthwhile. The Cape Verde Carnival, held in Mindelo, is not only one of the main tourist attractions of the archipelago, but also, little by little, its name is sounding louder on the international scene.
Origins of the festival in Mindelo
The most famous Carnival in Cape Verde could not originate from any other place than Mindelo, capital of the island of Sao Vicente, where the cultural life of the archipelago is concentrated.
This festivity that takes place every February began to be celebrated in the 18th century, most probably inspired by the ‘Entrudo’, an ancient Portuguese festivity that the colonizers introduced in the archipelago. The ‘Entrudo’ designated a period established before Lent that revolved around various festivities and games. One of the most representative consisted of throwing water on each other in order to purify the body.
"Interestingly, despite the fact that the Cape Verde Carnival is becoming increasingly popular and receives more visitors, its essence remains intact."
This is the context in which the Carnival, perhaps the most important and picturesque of the entire African continent, was born. Not in vain, because it shares the same origins, it can remind us of the famous Brazilian Carnivals, although on a smaller scale. Thus, it is possible that the spectacularity of the costumes and the comparsas will transport visitors for a moment to Rio de Janeiro, although the music is purely local. Thus, the Mindelo Carnival combines the best of both worlds, becoming the party par excellence not only of the island of St. Vincent, but of all Cape Verde.
A national holiday that mobilizes an entire country
The Cape Verdean Carnivals officially kick off on Friday night, when the streets are filled with color and African rhythms. Throughout the weekend, various parades follow one after the other, drawing crowds to watch the splendorous troupes.
Curiously, although the Cape Verde Carnival is becoming more and more popular and receives more visitors, its essence remains intact. And this is just one of the reasons why those who have the opportunity to attend are overshadowed.
The celebrations reach their peak on Shrove Tuesday, when the famous group competition takes place. It is the last day, so make the most of it. This is the spirit that is felt in the streets, trying to make its way through the crowd, the music, the dancing and the masks.
At the same time, Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, also celebrates its Carnival, so it could be said that these are days in which the festive atmosphere takes over the entire archipelago. Do you dare to live the next Cape Verde Carnival?
