S.Vicente is the island of the group of Barlavento with only 227km. It has about 80.000 inhabitants and the highest point 775m called Monte Verde.
S.Vicente is the cultural Capital of Cape Verde, having as capital the city of Mindelo- where you will find the greatest musicians, painters and authors of Cape Verde. This due to the mixture of cultures through out the centuries, with arrival of many Europeans on our famous bay of Mindelo.
S.Vicente was discovered by a Portuguese navigator called Diogo Afonso in 1462, being one of the last islands to be discovered. Because of conditions offered it was only inhabited around 1819 with about 120 inhabitants. With families coming from Madeira and Portugal and slaves working the land, the population started increasing which made the crown take an important decision. Mindelo would become a city named Neopoldina. After the Imperator of Austria-Spouse of Henrique VI of Portugal.
The City of Mindelo
All tough the island has about 80.000h, more than 50000 live in Mindelo, Making mindelo the Capital of S, Vicente. Because of its past S.Vicente is today the most cosmopolitan island of Cape Verde. Presenting a Mindelo of the 18 century. For example: the Forte, built in 1857 to control the pirates on the Bay, The Costume House in 1862 along with the first Catholic church. Passing through the main street Rua de Lisboa, and the street of Praia de Bote-you will indeed feel the presence of the colonial history in its architecture . and you indeed want to know and discover the charm of this charismatic city of Mindelo and the hidden beauty of this island.
The Magical nights of Mindelo
Mindelo is knows for its hot and tropical nights of non stop fiesta. “Depos d´sabe more ca nada” after having fun, dying is nothing”, that’s an old saying the people of this charismatic City Share. In Mindelo the nights turn in day and days turn into night. In the evening the city transforms into a gigantic stage of tropical beets of this island, on corner of the city : bares, pubs, restaurants etc… Come and get involved in the contagious and sensual rhythm of our music, which contains a mix of beets of South America, African continent and European instruments which makes the evenings of Mindelo a unique experience.
It’s people and Morabeza
One of our greatest treasures is the island’s hospitality, generosity, friendliness, the lifestyle, all of this together and more is called Morabeza. The way people of this island treat the Tourists, making them feel as if they were part of this island. You can feel Morabeza in all the islands, but S. Vicente is one of the islands you will fee it the most because of its past of being in contact with many nationalities through out the centuries. So receiving different people is part of the culture of S. Vicente. So come and witness this unique experience.
Food & drink
Fresh fish and shell fish, grilled and accompanied with vegetables, are the main items on the menus in the restaurants in Sao Vicente. The very typical, richley condimented cooking of Cape Verde is a unique, delectable experience. The “arroz de marisco” shellfish deliciously cooked with rice is a speciality to be found at most restaurants.
The combination of the African and the European cultures makes that the Capeverdean food be very original and very much appreciated.
Corn has been the basic ingredient for the confection of a great majority of the traditional dishes, namely ‘Cachupa’, one of the most famous national dishes, ‘Xerem’, ‘Cuscus’ corn paddies filled with meat or tuna. As far as fish is concerned, there is a great variety of fresh fish, tuna fish the most consumed locally, either in casserole or fried with onions, in very spicey dishes or just grilled with green salad.
Lobster, squid, rock barnacle and various kinds of fresh shellfish are the delight of the seafood lovers. It’s a good idea for the traveller to try ‘baffas’ or small portions of a variety of seafood served as starters or apetizers in many restaurants. A traditional variety of tropical fruit jams namely papaya, red current , coconut, or sweet potato, milk, and fresh goat milk cheeses, as well as a variety of cakes have an important place in the Capeverdean gastronomy.
There is also a great variety of aromatic and fresh green infusions, which are also used therapeutically.
In addition , the well known Grog, a national strong alcoholic drink made from sugar cane, or the great varieties of ‘pontches’, homemade liqueurs made from all sorts of natural fruit and herb flavours, and tamarind and ‘calabaceira’ juice complete the traditional capeverdean menu.
