Music festivals in Cape Verde show the best that is produced in a small country, but with a high wealth in this area. Each festival is an enriching journey. Discover the best that take place in Cape Verde.
Reference music festivals in Cape Verde
Gamboa Festival
The Gamboa festival takes place annually in Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde. Usually, and until the 2019 edition, it takes place on Gamboa beach, which gives its name. However, it is planned to change the festival in 2020 to another location to be defined.
This is one of the most important musical events that take place in this city, with several national and international artists taking part in it. In keeping with tradition, the festival, which takes place annually, will take place in the month of May, following the trend of previous editions.
The festival, which is usually paid, but which has had free editions, also contributes to the discovery and promotion of new artists / bands, through a contest, which gives the winner a presence on the festival’s poster.
And it’s a fun time even for the kids. There are, on the sidelines of the festival, activities for children at Gamboinha: music, inflatables, face painting, and traditional games are some of the activities aimed at the youngest.
Name: Gamboa Festival
Edition: 27th (2019)
Location: Praia da Gamboa (until 2019) / location to be defined from 2020
City:Cidade da Praia / Santiago Island / Cabo Verde
Baía das Gatas Festival
This is one of the most iconic music festivals in Cape Verde. With more than 30 editions, this event brings together national and international artists and is the oldest in the archipelago. The festival had several free and some paid editions.
The festival, which takes place during a Full Moon weekend during the month of August, brings together different musical styles, covering a very varied audience, and bringing different artists to the Island of São Vicente, at this time of year.
Its origins are in a group of friends that got together to produce the festival. Over time, the organization passed to the Municipality.
Alongside the festival, various events are held, such as horse races, the election of the local Miss, and other sports.
This takes place, with an annual frequency, in Baía das Gatas, about 8 km from Mindelo, Capital of São Vicente.
Name: Baia das Gatas Festival
Current edition: 37th (2019)
Location: Baia das Gatas Beach
City: Mindelo / São Vicente Island / Cabo Verde
Festival of Praia d’Cruz
Music lovers on Boavista Island can enjoy the Praia d’Cruz Festival for 2 days in August.
The festival, which was initially promoted by a group of friends, has, in its most recent editions, been organized by the Local City Council.
This event showcases some of the best local artists, as well as international artists, from different PALOP countries.
Name: Praia de Cruz Festival
Current edition: 30th (2019)
Location: Praia da Cruz
City: Sal-Rei / Boa Vista Island / Cabo Verde
The musical wealth of Cape Verde and internationally is evident in these festivals, whether in terms of recognized artists or in terms of the presentation of new talents from the music scene.
Santa Maria International Festival
The festival of Santa Maria is one of the attractions of the Island, during the period in which it takes place annually. During the various editions that were part of it, they went through the same names as Gipsy Kings, Xutos e Pontapés, Kassav, Boss Ac, Cesária Évora, Gil Semedo, Os Tubarões, Mayra Andrade, among others.
This event is an event that promotes the island of Sal and attracts tourists, contributing to the cultural offer in the region and also has an educational character, in the promotion of causes, such as awareness of caring for the Environment.
Name: Festival Internacional de Santa Maria
Edition: 27th (2019)
Location: Santa Maria
City: Santa Maria / Ilha do Sal / Cabo Verde
Kriol Jazz Festival
Kriol Jazz is a reference festival at national and international level, having been considered one of the most interesting festivals in the world in this area.
With several artists from different parts of the world, the festival is a meeting between Cape Verdean and foreign musicians, where music and moments are shared. And where different types of Creole music from different places are made known and artists who contributed to Cape Verdean music and culture are honored.
The first day, which is free, aims to showcase emerging talent. The festival takes place in April and lasts for 3 days.
The festival, which takes place in Cidade da Praia, on the island of Santiago, has also sometimes taken artists to other islands, expanding its cultural scope. In the future, there may even be international versions of the festival, given the relevance of your brand.
Name: Kriol Music Festival
Edition: 11th (2019)
Location: Cidade da Praia
City:Cidade da Praia / Santiago Island / Cabo Verde