Events Calendar


This is a partial listing of events in Maio. For more information, please see the Official Tourist Guide – Maio and Festivals & Traditions in Cape Verde.

  • February is Carnival the most famous festival in Cape Verde, normally held close to Ash Wednesday.
  • In March and April there is a good chance to see migrating humpback whales on their way to their summer feeding grounds in the North Sea.
  • 3rd of May — The May Festival, Festival of the “Santa Cruz” (Holy Cross)
  • 24th, 25th and 26th of June — The Traditional celebrations of S.Joào
  • June to October, peaking in mid-July and August is the best time to see loggerhead turtles come to nest on the beach.
  • August is football and other events on the beach.
  • September is the festival on the beach.
  • Mid-August until the end of November the hatchling turtles come out of the eggs and return to the sea.
  • 1 November all islands celebrate All Saints Day, a Halloween-like celebration including lots of street food and bonfires throughout the night.
  • In November there is a good chance to see migrating humpback whales on their return route to their winter breeding and calving grounds in Cape Verdes.
  • December – Festivities of Cristo-rei, Christ, Our Lord.