Cabo Verde National Day 2027
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About the event
Although Cape Verde did not experience the same guerrilla war on its own soil, the political struggle connected the islands to wider African decolonisation. The islands had been a Portuguese colony for centuries, tied to Atlantic navigation, forced migration, drought, emigration and creole culture.
Melancholic song tradition made globally famous by Cesaria Evora.
Why this day
Cabo Verde celebrates Independence Day on 5 July, marking independence from Portugal in 1975. The islands had been a Portuguese colony for centuries, tied to Atlantic navigation, forced migration, drought, emigration and creole culture.
The independence movement was closely linked to Guinea-Bissau through the PAIGC, founded by Amilcar Cabral and others in 1956. Although Cape Verde did not experience the same guerrilla war on its own soil, the political struggle connected the islands to wider African decolonisation.
Today the holiday is marked with concerts, flags, official ceremonies and diaspora celebrations. Praia is the political centre, while music styles such as morna, funana and coladeira give the day a distinctly Cape Verdean sound.
Timeline
- 1462Portuguese settlement begins on Santiago island
- 1956PAIGC founded for Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde liberation
- 1975Cape Verde gains independence from Portugal
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 4 Jul, check-out 6 Jul 2027 — 2 nights around 5 July 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in PraiaGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalPraia
- Time zoneCVT (UTC-1)
Host country
- Currency: Cape Verdean escudo
- Language: Portuguese
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Praia
- Phone: +238
- Emergency: 131
- Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/F
What to eat
Slow-cooked corn, bean and meat or fish stew, widely treated as the national dish.
Fried pastry filled with spicy tuna, common as a snack or starter.
Conch or shellfish stew from coastal kitchens and island restaurants.
Lobster stew cooked with tomato, onion and spices on several islands.
Rice and chicken soup with Portuguese roots, served at family tables.
Steamed corn cake eaten with butter, honey or cheese for breakfast.
What to drink
Sugarcane spirit from Santo Antao, used for strong island toasts.
Grogue mixed with honey, lime or fruit, a sweeter festive drink.
Cape Verdean lager commonly served cold at beach bars and celebrations.
Culture & traditions
Melancholic song tradition made globally famous by Cesaria Evora.
Accordion-driven dance music with roots on Santiago and rural communities.
The capital hosts official events, concerts and public Independence Day gatherings.
Cape Verdeans abroad mark the day in Portugal, the Netherlands and New England.
Coming years
Cabo Verde National Day 2028
- Wednesday 5 July 2028Next event date
Cabo Verde National Day 2029
- Thursday 5 July 2029Event date
Cabo Verde National Day 2030
- Friday 5 July 2030Event date