Cabo Verde National Day

Cabo Verde National Day

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  1. 1462Portuguese settlement begins on Santiago island
  2. 1956PAIGC founded for Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde liberation
  3. 1975Cape Verde gains independence from Portugal

Why Cabo Verde celebrates 5 July

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.

  1. 20265 July 2026 · Sunday
  2. 20275 July 2027 · Monday
  3. 20285 July 2028 · Wednesday
The Cape Verdean flag

The Cape Verdean flag has blue bands with white and red stripes and ten yellow stars in a circle. Blue represents the Atlantic Ocean around the islands, the stripes suggest peace and effort, and the ten stars represent the ten main islands of the archipelago.

Cape Verdean food is island food: corn, beans, fish, pork, stews and tropical produce shaped by drought, sea travel and Portuguese-African creole life.

What to eat

CachupaSlow-cooked corn, bean and meat or fish stew, widely treated as the national dish.
Pastel com diablo dentroFried pastry filled with spicy tuna, common as a snack or starter.
BuzioConch or shellfish stew from coastal kitchens and island restaurants.
LagostadaLobster stew cooked with tomato, onion and spices on several islands.
CanjaRice and chicken soup with Portuguese roots, served at family tables.
Cuscus de milhoSteamed corn cake eaten with butter, honey or cheese for breakfast.

What to drink

GrogueSugarcane spirit from Santo Antao, used for strong island toasts.
PoncheGrogue mixed with honey, lime or fruit, a sweeter festive drink.
Strela beerCape Verdean lager commonly served cold at beach bars and celebrations.
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Cabo Verde culture

Cabo Verdean identity is musical, maritime and diasporic. Independence Day is felt both on the islands and abroad, where Cape Verdean communities keep language, food and music alive.

Morna musicMelancholic song tradition made globally famous by Cesaria Evora.
FunanaAccordion-driven dance music with roots on Santiago and rural communities.
Praia ceremoniesThe capital hosts official events, concerts and public Independence Day gatherings.
Diaspora celebrationsCape Verdeans abroad mark the day in Portugal, the Netherlands and New England.