Language/Portuguese/Culture/Cape-Verde

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◀️ Portugal — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Angola ▶️

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Portuguese Culture → Unit 5: Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Cultures → Cape Verde

As a Portuguese language teacher for over 20 years, I always emphasize the importance of understanding the culture and traditions of Portuguese-speaking countries. In this lesson, we will explore the beautiful nation of Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde in Portuguese.


Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Emergency Services & Portuguese from Portugal and Brazil.

Overview

Cape Verde is an archipelago nation located off the western coast of Africa. It is made up of 10 volcanic islands and has a population of around 550,000 people. The official language is Portuguese, but Cape Verdean Creole, a mix of Portuguese and African languages, is the most widely spoken language.

History

Cape Verde was discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century. The islands became an important slave trade center due to their location, and the population became a mix of Portuguese and African heritage. Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and has since developed its own unique culture and traditions.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are an important part of Cape Verdean culture. The most famous genre of music is morna, known for its soulful melodies and emotional lyrics. Cesária Évora, a famous Cape Verdean singer, is known internationally for popularizing morna music. The national dance is called the Funaná, a fast-paced dance often performed at festivals and celebrations.

Cuisine

Cape Verdean cuisine is a delicious blend of African and Portuguese influences. It is based on seafood, beans, and cornmeal, and flavored with spices such as cinnamon and saffron. One of the most popular dishes is Cachupa, a stew made with beans, cornmeal, and vegetables. Another traditional dish is Funchi, a cornmeal cake often served with fish or meat.

Let's learn some useful vocabulary for ordering food at a Cape Verdean restaurant:

Portuguese Pronunciation English Translation
Uma mesa para duas pessoas, por favor. OO-ma MESS-a pah-rah DOO-ahs pay-SOH-as, pooh-FAH-vohr A table for two, please.
O que você recomenda? OO keh VOH-say reh-koh-MEHN-dah? What do you recommend?
Eu vou querer... Ayoo voh KEH-ruh I would like...
A conta, por favor. AH KOHN-tah, pooh-FAH-vohr The bill, please.

Holidays and Festivals

Holidays and festivals are an important part of Cape Verdean culture. The most famous festival is the Carnival of Mindelo which takes place in February or March. The festival is a colorful celebration featuring parades, music, and dancing. Other important holidays include Independence Day on July 5th, and the Feast of St. John the Baptist on June 24th.

Famous Landmarks

Cape Verde is home to many beautiful natural landmarks including stunning beaches, volcanic peaks, and nature reserves. One of the most unique sites is the volcanic crater of Pico do Fogo, located on the island of Fogo. The Sal island is famous for its sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. The old town of Cidade Velha, located on Santiago island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a beautiful example of Portuguese colonial architecture.

Conclusion

Learning about Cape Verde can give us a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Portuguese language and culture. From music and dance to delicious cuisine and natural wonders, Cape Verde is truly a special place. I hope this lesson has inspired you to learn more about this beautiful country, and to continue your Portuguese language learning journey.

Sources


Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Portugal & Angola.

Table of Contents - Portuguese Course - 0 to A1


Unit 1: Greetings and Basic Phrases


Unit 2: Verbs - Present Tense


Unit 3: Family and Descriptions


Unit 4: Verbs - Future and Conditional Tenses


Unit 5: Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Cultures


Unit 6: Food and Drink


Unit 7: Verbs - Past Tense


Unit 8: Travel and Transportation


Unit 9: Indefinite Pronouns and Prepositions


Unit 10: Health and Emergencies

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