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Country Guide > Africa > Cape Verde | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink There is an increasing number of restaurants and cafes. The main local culinary speciality is cachupa, a mess of maize and beans. Another delicious Cape Verdean treat is pastel com diablo dentro ('pastry with the devil inside') - a mix of tuna, onions, tomatoes, and pastry made from boiled potatoes and corn flour. Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbrão, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos. Local beer, wine and spirits are commonly available; grogue is a popular choice. Soft drinks are expensive. Nightlife Some hotels provide evening entertainment. Small villages will have a lively taverna. Most nightlife is on the main islands: there are 21 nightclubs in Cape Verde – eight on Santiago, seven on Sal, five on São Vicente and one on Fogo. Praia has a cultural centre at which local Cape Verdean artists and instrumentalists perform. Shopping There are daily markets. The Santa Catarina market is held Wednesday and Saturday. Coconut shells are carved by local craftsmen; there is also pottery, lacework and basketry. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1500-1900, Sat 0900-1300. Special Events Many Saints’ days are celebrated all over the islands, and towns and villages have their own local festivals; further details may be obtained from CI (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Cape Verde: Feb Carnival (with Street Parades), Praia, Mindelo, St Nicolau and Sal. May Festa de Santa Cruz; Festival de Musica de Gamboa. May-Jun Tabanka, São Tiago and Fogo. Jun Festival of the Solstice. Jul Independence Day Celebrations; Festa do Municipio de Boa Vista. Aug Festival Baia das Gatas; Festival of Music of Praia de Santa Cruz. Sep Festival de Santa Maria. Social Conventions The usual European social courtesies should be observed. Tipping: It is normal to give 10 per cent for good service. |