Boavista boasts a rich history and a unique society, the result of the encounter of different cultures and traditions. Since the end of the sixteenth century, the inhabitants of the island have laid the foundations for the creation of a new, welcoming and kind community.
Historical and cultural studies of the island of Boavista have revealed that, starting from 1490, slaves and free men transported to the island contributed to the genesis of a new society with its own cultural identity. The coexistence of different ethnic groups, international trade relations based on local products, and contacts between the inhabitants and foreign peoples who arrived there allowed the creation and accumulation of an important socio-cultural heritage.
Among the elements that contributed to the development of this culture, the presence of goats on the island stands out. During rainy years, goats reproduced abundantly, providing a cheap and nutritious source of food for the inhabitants. Goat meat, especially that of kids, was appreciated for its flavor and low cost, about 15 réis each. Goats also provided milk, used in the production of goat cheese, a typical local product highly appreciated both for self-consumption and for trade with the other islands of the archipelago.
The communities of Boavista settled in various areas of the island, including João Galego, Fundo das Figueiras and Cabeça dos Tarafes to the east, and Vila de Sal-Rei, Rabil, Estância de Baixo, Bofareira and Povoação Velha to the west. These settlements represent a society whose roots lie in the people of Boa Vista.
The true heritage of Boavista resides, above all, in its people. Those who know “kabrer,” having lived for a long time among the inhabitants of the island, know that the true treasure of Boavista is the hospitality and conviviality of its inhabitants. Among the people of Boa Vista, in fact, it is tradition to consider every visitor as a friend.
Boavista is an island that celebrates its traditions and its cultural heritage through the harmonious coexistence of its people and their genuine “morabeza”. A place where history, culture, and hospitality come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor, also linked to the production and consumption of delicious goat cheese.
