Baia das Gatas

The Baia das Gatas musical festival, which takes place on the island of Sao Vicente, began in 1984 as a way for a group of friends to get together and share musical ideas, as well as to foster unity and peace throughout Cape Verde. The festival currently includes not just Cape Verdean musicians, but also worldwide artists, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world.

The Baia das Gatas music event takes place on the beach during a long weekend in August, close to the full moon. It has grown into one of West Africa's major open-air music events, as well as a celebration of Cape Verean culture. There are a plethora of food vendors where you can sample Catchupa, Fagalada, and, of course, plenty of beer and Grogue. The night soon devolves into a massive party and disco.

This music festival serves as a model for others in Sal and Santiago, such as the Gamboa Music Festival, which takes place in May.

Date: August