Following the 2026 Carnival parades, an awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday afternoon. Before that, we will have time for a short walk through Mindelo. On Avenida 12 de Setembro, we see the soccer stadium of the Cape Verdean champions, CS Mindelense. Presumably, members of this club, such as Vozinha (Josimar José Évora Dias), […]
The highlight of Carnaval São Vicente 2026
It’s Tuesday, and the highlight of the carnival in Mindelo is about to begin. Two groups organized the parade, which features enthusiastic participants, fantastic costumes, stirring music, and imaginatively designed floats. These groups are “Flores do Mindelo” and “Cruzeiros do Norte.” In the late afternoon, the first people begin to gather on Rua de Liberdade […]
Professores e Mandingas de São Vicente – Carnaval Mindelo 2026
It is the penultimate day of Carnival in Mindelo. In the morning, we stroll through the city center and pass the monument Pescadora buscando água (Fisherwoman Fetching Water). The statue serves as a reminder that water is a precious commodity in Cape Verde. Many residents of the islands are not connected to the public water […]
Third day of Carnival and Mandingas in Mindelo
We are approaching the highlights of Carnival 2026 in Cape Verde. This morning, we are greeted by a surprise: the view across the bay is so hazy that the opposite shore is indistinguishable. Saharan dust hangs in the air. This weather phenomenon is called Bruma Seca. Today, the Mandingas are the stars of the parades. […]
Second day of Carnival in Mindelo
It is Saturday, February 14, and further parades are taking place as part of the 2026 Mindelo Carnival. The first parade—by the Escola Portuguesa—is also dedicated to the young participants. Josina Fortes, the friendly receptionist at the Blue Marlin Hotel, takes us to the parade assembly point on Rua Angola. Her daughter, who is currently […]
First day of Carnival in Mindelo
The actual Carnival in Mindelo begins on Friday, February 13, 2026. That morning, we visit Vanina Dias from “Informacao Turistica” in Parque Nhô Roque. She is very friendly and helpful, and she always gives us good advice. Later, we walk the route where the parades will take place. The parade turns around at Praça Amílcar […]