Calendar of events in Boavista

Discover the beating heart of Boavista Island, a true gem of Cape Verde, through our exceptional calendar of events. Here you will find an extraordinary range of cultural, sports, and recreational experiences that make this destination so unique and inviting.

Boavista is a place where culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes blend in perfect harmony. Participating in local events will allow you to:

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture: Our events provide a unique opportunity to explore and experience the rich Creole culture, from traditional music to local cuisine.

Connect with the Community: Interact with the local inhabitants, learn from their stories, and create authentic connections.

Have Fun and Relax: Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or relaxation, you will find events that cater to every taste and age.

A Destination for Every Season

Boavista Island offers events throughout the year, guaranteeing fun and entertainment for all types of visitors. Whether you’re art enthusiasts, sports fans, or seeking culinary experiences, you will always find something special here.

Plan Your Visit Now

Don’t miss the opportunity to enrich your stay with the unique experiences that only Boavista can offer. By browsing our events calendar, you can plan your trip to make the most of every moment.

Join us in exploring Boavista, a destination that promises to leave you breathless and with indelible memories. We await you on the island of hospitality, adventure, and discovery.

In Cape Verde, religion has always regulated the celebrations linked to the cult of the Saints and the Christmas holidays. In winter, spending Christmas and New Year’s by the sea is certainly an enchanting experience.

In spring the wind dies down and the whales arrive. Time for Carnival, Easter and dance evenings, certainly the most relaxing season for the beach and nightlife.

With the arrival of the hot days, the most popular holidays arrive! Independence Day, the St. Isabel celebration and the Praia de Cruz Festival are events that attract thousands of people every year.

PIDRONA

The Pidróna Festival, a lively and spirited event, takes place on the 4th of May in Rabil, immediately following the Festa de Santa Cruz. This secular celebration was first introduced to the island on May 4th, 1971, when a group of playful young men, led by Joaquim de António Santiago (known as Móne Antone Táta) and Luís Bernardino Lima, decided to have fun around a large stone near Nha Txansa’s house. The festival’s origins lie in a playful chase around the stone, which eventually led to the stone being strategically placed and adorned with a cross, inspired by the Cruz da Santa Cruz.

Despite a temporary decline in the festivities due to droughts and crises, the Pidróna Festival was revived in 1986 and has remained a popular event ever since. The celebration is characterized by its unique games and activities, including Kolá-Boi, where a participant dresses as a bull and playfully charges at others to the beat of drums. The “victims” are then required to pay a fine in grogue, a local alcoholic drink. Another entertaining game involves participants dressing as police officers and “arresting” unsuspecting attendees, who must pay their way out with more grogue.

The Pidróna Festival is a true testament to the spirit of camaraderie and fun in Boavista, bringing the community together through street parties, dancing, and laughter. With its distinctive games and convivial atmosphere, this annual event has become an integral part of the island’s cultural calendar, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who take part.

SANTA ISABEL

The Festa de Santa Isabel, a religious and secular event, is celebrated on July 4th in the town of Sal-Rei, honoring Saint Isabel of Portugal. Born in 1271 and passing away in 1336, Saint Isabel was the daughter of Constance of Sicily and married to King Dinis of Portugal. Known for her compassion and protection of the poor and sick, she was called the “Queen Saint” during her lifetime. Canonized by Pope Urban VIII on May 25th, 1625, Saint Isabel is the patron saint of Portugal and is associated with the Miracle of the Roses.

In Boavista, Saint Isabel is the patron saint of Sal-Rei, where a church was built in her honor in 1857. The town’s history includes the transfer of the Parish of São Roque from Rabil to Sal-Rei in the early 19th century, followed by the construction of a chapel dedicated to Saint Isabel. The 1857 church eventually replaced this chapel.

The Festa de Santa Isabel features a variety of activities, including a Holy Mass, dances, horse races, regattas, and football tournaments. Traditional events such as pegâ kéda, miron, and kortâ-góle-kabésa, which had fallen out of use, are being revived, along with communal feasts. On the day of the celebration, a religious ceremony of boats takes place in the Bay of Sal-Rei, with vessels approaching the Santa Bárbara street to accompany the onshore religious ceremony.

The ceremony, led by the parish priest, includes a procession, prayers, hymns, and blessings near the old Cruz das Almas on Santa Bárbara street. According to oral tradition, this is the “blessing of the sea,” where the officiant prays and sprinkles holy water on the sea. The procession then continues to the church, followed by the Eucharistic liturgy. Once the liturgy concludes, regattas, swimming competitions, and the pega-kéda take place on the nearby beach.

The Festa de Santa Isabel is a unique combination of religious devotion and secular celebration in Sal-Rei, bringing the community together to honor their patron saint and enjoy a day of camaraderie and entertainment.