If you intend to travel to Cape Verde for either a short vacation or semester, you must be well versed on the culture and lifestyle of Cape Verdeans! RocApply has dedicated this guide for your information!
Cape Verde is a popular study destination especially if you are looking for a relaxing, sun-filled stay. If you like to get off the beaten track and hate resorts, then you’ll have to make a little more effort to explore the more remote islands on your own.
Cape Verde's crime rate is very low and people are warm and friendly. Here the seafood is excellent, tap water is safe to drink, and there are decent medical facilities on the main islands. This all helps to make it an attractive destination for tourists.
Although 5 centuries of Portuguese colonial culture have dominated the islands, traditions from Africa are also present here. The two are much blended in the cultural life of Cabo Verde, evidence of which is apparent in the country’s literary, musical, and artistic culture.
A number of the holidays celebrated in Cape Verde; including Easter, the Feast of the Assumption, All Saints’ Day, and Christmas reflect the country’s majority Roman Catholic tradition. Other holidays include National Heroes’ Day, Children’s Day, and Independence Day, which are observed on January 20, June 1, and July 5, respectively.
Speaking on sporting entertainment! Although Cape Verdeans enjoy a variety of sports, football is perhaps the most popular. Matches are played at all levels of society, from pickup street games with improvised balls, fields, and nets to interscholastic rivalries and competitions between the islands.
Interest in basketball is growing by the day. Long-distance running, swimming, and the traditional African board game of ouri are popular pastimes in Cape Verde. Once here you will find blending-in quite easy due to the onesness drawn from sporting activities!
Casual dress for men here is slacks and sport shirts. Everyday dress is more American than African. Nevertheless, African dresses and shirts, such as those popular in Senegal and other West African nations, are worn on the islands.
Formal events require a jacket and tie. Wash-and-wear suits are also popular for work and social events in Cape Verde. Cotton bush jackets are occasionally seen.
For women long dresses are rarely worn. Women generally find blouse and skirt/slacks comfortable for everyday wear. Hosiery is also rarely worn and thus is difficult to find. Suits or luncheon/cocktail dresses are suitable for more formal occasions.
It would not be incomplete to tell you about Cape Vderde without sharing an insight on its etiquettes.
- Bargaining Not expected in most cases in Cabo Verde, except when purchasing handicrafts from West African (usually Senegalese) vendors.
- Begging Best not to give anything (money, sweets, pens) to children as this only creates greater harm to the society. If you want to help, donate to schools and community projects in need.
- Greetings Men shake hands upon meeting. Women greet one another – and men greet women – by giving a kiss on each cheek.
- Hissing It's common for people to give a 'ssss' to get your attention. This is not meant to be rude, so don't take offence.
- Photographs Ask permission before taking pictures.
- Water usage Water is a precious resource on the islands (and scarce in many places). Conserve water at all times.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
