Holidays & Observances in Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a collection of islands off the coast of West Africa. It was uninhabited when the Portuguese discovered it and began using it for trade and agriculture due to its location and lush green landscapes. Today it is one of the most democratic and economically sound countries in Africa. Many of the residents are descendants of African slaves brought here to work in the fields, so the culture is a mixture of Portuguese and African. Even the language reflects this clash of cultures. Portuguese is the official language, but many people speak Crioulo, which mixes Portuguese with West African languages. Roman Catholicism is the most widely practiced religion, and its holidays are celebrated across the country. Each island of Cape Verde has a feast day dedicated to its own patron saint.