Description
The rich cultural mix of the Cape Verde Islands
Not just geographically, Cape Verde is situated between Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. In the Portuguese colony that was a hub of the slave trade and exile for the religiously persecuted, since 1461 customs, musical traditions and genes amalgamated to the entirely new Creole culture. In 1975, the República Cabo Verde proudly declared its independence.
São Vicente – native island of Cesária Évora
Violin sounds mingle with African drums, Fado meets Polka and creates musical styles like Morna, Batuque and Funaná: The Cape Verde Islands are a melting pot of world music. Cesária Évora from lively Mindelo was the isles’ most famous singer. Barefoot and with a sweet melancholy, she sang of love, hurt and hope and is still revered today as the “Queen of Morna”.
Santo Antão, the island of contrast
The second largest island of Cape Verde enchants with its spectacular natural diversity. While the volcanic craters in the barren south are reminiscent of moonscapes, rocky mountainous landscapes alternate with green and fertile, tropical valleys in the north of Santo Antão. Besides pineapples, mango trees and coconut palms, sugar cane is also grown here – and distilled into the national schnaps Grogue.
A lecturer accompanies the trip
Exciting topics, background information and fascinating facts – our expert offers talks on a whole range of subjects from his specialist field.