Food and Drink

• Food tends to revolve around fish dishes. It’s always cooked fresh, it delicious and it’s cheap.
• Many restaurants serve local Creole and Portuguese specialities.
• Some restaurants have live music which can be Brazilian, African and Cape Verdean.
• Expect slow service. You will not be able to rush a meal so just relax.

Public Holidays and Festivals

• Most nightlife is around Mindelo and Santa Maria. Music is vibrant and locals like to dance.
• Boa Vista is the quitest of the main islands.
• There are 11 public holidays throughout the year, including Christmas day, New Years day and labour day.
• Carnival is the Catholic festival in February/March immediately before lent. There will be street parties, a circus, parades and fancy dress.

Dos and Don’ts

• Relax, slow down, smile and enjoy the culture.

Language

• The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese.
• The mother tongue of Cape Verdeans is Cape Verdean Creole and the dialect varies between the islands.
• Want to learn the language?  Portugese Phrase Book with CD (Audio) (DK Eyewitness Travel Packs)
• Learn Portuguese on your iPod  

   

   

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