Mindelo (Sao Vicente), Cape Verde - (1 of 3)

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We were in Porto Grande, Cape Verde in 2023 and really enjoyed this exciting downtown and our adventure up to the top of majestic Monte Verde (see 2 posts)
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We arrived today at West Africa, Cape Verde (pop 530,000) in the port of Mindelo (on São Vicente island) where 69,000 people live. Cape Verde’s population is 49% under 25 years old and only 7% over 65 years old. It is considered one of the most democratic and stable countries in Africa.

We took a private tour with Kayle and Becky which allowed the 4 of us to gear the trip to spend time where we wanted and although we were here before we only went to places we had never been or enjoyed before and did not mind going again. The first stop was in the bustling town of Praca Nova, the colonial square as we learned about the local economy and businesses.

Interestingly, in the mid-to-late 19th Century the Whaling Industry & Maritime Trade and in the Early 20th Century the Cranberry Bogs & Agriculture business brought made residents to the USA, settling in the Cape Cod area. There are an estimated 500,000 Americans of Cape Verdean descent with about 90,000 of them in Massachusetts today. Being a very small group of islands and off of West Africa requires many products to still be imported here.

Our first stop was the National Center for Art, Crafts, and Design center where we saw a vibrant exterior wall made completely from 2,532 recycled oil barrel lids. Each lid is painted a different shade to resemble a musical note and a famous Vasco Martins score and can be rotated to circulate air for the building and showing how important music is to the Country. Since most goods went to/from abroad in shipping containers, from families that had moved, this represents that connection with eco-friendly-reused lids. We also enjoyed the courtyard sculpture garden and the interesting craft store. We then visited an active fish market (yes, it smelled) and an outdoor art exhibit and the 1862 Church of Our Lady of Light . We continued to learn all about the people and their culture from our local guide. In the marketplace there was excitement about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup where Cape Verde National Football Team qualified to be part of for the first time. Yes, I had to buy a full uniform that were sold there. The "Blue Sharks" (from Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to qualify) made sports history first by qualifying and then delivering a fabulous underdog run reaching the Round of 32. They finally fell to defending champions Argentina in extra time! This put them on the map for the World and whenever I talk about or wear my uniform, people know what Cape Verde is from this tournament.

We also visited Catfish Bay to see its beauty and the fisherman. The highlight of the day was when our driver took us up to the top of Monte Verde National Park, the highest point on Sao Vincent at 2500 feet high for great views. (Note; this time I did not try the Grogue at the top- once is enough).

Interestingly, wherever you went, they promote Cesaria Evora, the famous fado singer, who was born here. Her music is really captivating and Kayle even used this at the LDS Service that week as a discussion kickoff. She died in 2011 as a world-renowned singer, known as the "barefoot diva" (as a statement of solidarity with the poor). She received a Grammy Award in 2004 for her album Voz d'Amor and remains a national hero in Cape Verde (her face is on the 2,000 Escudo banknote and the airport in Mindelo bears her name).

We got to dip our toes in a white-sand beach near Calhau Valley Baía das Gatas (known for an annual international music festival) and a turtle rescue and rehabilitation center. FUN DAY! Cape Verde combines African and Portuguese influences, creating a distinctive culture, excellent music, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.Read more