Nightlife in Cape Verde moves to the sounds of morna, a beautiful form of folk music that fully captures the country's rich history and mix of cultural influences.
In taverns around the islands people gather after dark to hear the mournful sounds of musicians accompanied by guitars, violins and pianos.
More joyfulmelodies come from the islands' other genres of funana, batuque and coladeira, all of which liven up a nightlife scene that lives and breathes music and tradition.
Mixing plaintive, pain-filled vocals with cavaquinho (small guitar), clarinet, accordion, violin, piano and guitar playing, Morna is the national music, and the basis of much of the best Cape Verde night entertainment.
Rather like Portugal’s fado, it is powerful, romantic and sad all at the same time. Bars and restaurants throughout the archipelago host Morna concerts, but the Sao Vicente harbour town Mindelo is particularly well known for its Morna scene.
Choose a joint along Praça Amilcar Cabral, and settle in for a truly authentic Cape Verde night experience.
For the most raucous Cape Verde nightlife, time your visit to coincide with a local fiesta. The May’s Gamboa Festival turns Praia’s beach into a massive dancefloor, while Sao Vicente’s Carnaval in February turns Mindelo into a string of raucous street parties.
Less-populous islands such as Santo Antão tend to be much quieter, with just a sprinkling of pubs. However, during archipelago-wide celebrations such as the Festival of Sao Joao, parties are a common thing.
These events are an especially good time to sample grogue, a lethal sugar cane spirit typical of Cape Verde entertainment.
If you are staying on Sal or Boa Vista, the best bet for Cape Verde nightlife tends to be the resorts themselves. Local artists regularly perform sets, with imported drinks and high-quality cocktails available to quaff in beachside bars.
Alternatively, choose a surf shack at sunset, order a ponche (grogue, a rum type liquor distilled from sugar cane or lime and molasses), clink glasses with some new friends and gawp at the stars above the Atlantic.
Don’t hesitate to ask any question concerning ningtlife in Cape Verde, RocApply is here to give you all the information you may need before setting your feet in this iconic country. Apply with us today, FREE of charge and we will quicken your dream into reality!
