Cape Verde Carnival on Sao Vicente

Cape Verde Carnival on Sao Vicente is the most celebrated and colourful event of the year

If you’re ready for some winter sun, then you can’t do much better than a holiday on Cape Verde. This wonderful archipelago of nine islands has secluded beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, and a rich cultural history. Why not enjoy the warmth of the sun during Cape Verde carnival celebrations, a festival of cultural significance for the inhabitants.

The Harbour town of Mindelo on Sao Vicente

The charming coastal town of Mindelo sets the stage for this popular procession and provides a beautiful backdrop for the event. Transatlantic sailing boats sit anchored in the bay, and the brightly coloured buildings of Mindelo are nestled at the foot of a rocky mountain range. This is a hugely popular event, so it’s worth booking well in advance if you want to secure your place for 2026. As well as enjoying the highlights of carnival, you can explore the island on an off-road jeep tour, visiting fishing villages, sand dunes, and points of historical and geographical interest. We can also arrange for some time on a secluded beach.

The Main Carnival Parade – Tuesday 17th February 2026

The main carnival parade is held every year on shrove Tuesday. The streets fill with people of all ages, all dressed in vibrantly coloured costumes. There are moving carnival floats, each with a cultural theme, and dancers accompanied by samba beats. There are choreographed group dances, individual participants, and percussion groups. The atmosphere is electrifying and it is truly a fantastic time to be on the island. Tens of thousands of people take part in the carnival in Mindelo and local districts compete to win the coveted accolade of best street float.

A month of carnival celebrations

There are celebrations and performances for the whole month leading up to the parade. Every weekend, groups perform and bands play in the streets and bars. The atmosphere intensifies on the week of carnival and there are performances, parties, street stalls, and live bands throughout Mindelo. Residents prepare for carnival all year and it’s such a treat to be a part of it, and the perfect way to understand and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Mandinga Groups

Though carnival celebrations go on across the islands, Sao Vicente’s carnival is the biggest. One element of carnival unique to Sao Vicente is Mandinga. Men and boys paint themselves all over in oil and black tar and dress in warrior costumes, often carrying speers. It is said that the Mandinga performances are a way for Cape Verdeans to take ownership of their African identity. And also to honour their African ancestors who were enslaved on Cape Verde during the height of the Portuguese Empire.

There are a couple of theories around how this Mandinga tradition evolved but the most popular one relates to the Mandinga Tribe in western Africa. In the 60’s, members of the tribe passed through Sao Vicente on their way to participate in an independence party in Portugal. They performed for the people of Mindelo and it’s thought that their revolutionary spirit must have inspired the inhabitants.

Parties, Performances, and Tropical Parades.

Because celebrations for carnival start in January, there are lots of parties that go on during this time. Though the stages get filled by VIP members, visitors can soak up celebrations on the streets of Mindelo. The most significant days are the Main Parade, the day prior, and the day after.

The Tap Party: Saturday 7th February 2026

The Walt Party: Friday 13th February 2026

The Amparo Party: Saturday 14th February 2026

The Samba Tropical Parade: Monday 16th February

The Main Parade: Shrove Tuesday 17th February 2026

Winner Announcements: Wednesday 18th February 2026

Our Cape Verde Holidays

Would you like to visit during carnival time? We can plan a holiday that includes the carnival highlights, as well as any other Cape Verde experiences that you would like to enjoy. So, do get in touch with Jake or Max if you would like to know more:

📞Called Jake or Max on: 017687 21030

💻or email:team@archipelagochoice.com