Carnaval of São Vicente: Mindelo’s Biggest Celebration
- Angela & Paulo Silva
- Sep 15, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18
What to Expect During Carnaval in Mindelo
Your guide to São Vicente’s biggest, boldest, and most spectacular celebration
It’s often said that São Vicente hosts the best Carnaval in all of Cabo Verde—and once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why.
If you’re planning to join the festivities, here’s everything you need to know about Carnaval 2026, taking place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Planning Ahead
Carnaval is one of the busiest and most magical times of year in Mindelo. It always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (also known as Shrove or Fat Tuesday).
👉 Book early! Both flights and accommodations sell out quickly, so secure your spot as soon as possible.
A Month of Festivities
Carnaval isn’t just one day—it’s a whole season of events that build up to the grand parade.
Mandingas
The celebrations kick off a month before Carnaval with the legendary Mandingas.Every Sunday, groups of locals parade through the neighborhoods of Mindelo covered in black oil, dressed in skirts, and dancing with infectious energy. These parades grow bigger each week until the “burial of the Mandingas” the Sunday after Carnaval, which marks the end of the season.
For visitors, joining the Mandingas from the sidelines is one of the best ways to experience the true local spirit of Carnaval.
Children’s & Teachers’ Parade
The weekend before Carnaval Tuesday, the streets come alive with school groups and teachers parading in costume.Each school chooses a theme—ranging from recycling to music to cultural heritage—and showcases colorful, creative costumes made with care. This is a heartwarming celebration of community, with children, parents, and teachers all coming together.
Samba Tropical
On Monday night, the eve of Carnaval, it’s time for Samba Tropical—a dazzling, high-energy show that fills the streets with music, rhythm, and vibrant costumes.While Tuesday is the “main event,” many say Samba Tropical is just as breathtaking and not to be missed!
Carnaval: The Main Event
On Carnaval Tuesday afternoon, months of practice and preparation culminate in an explosion of color, rhythm, and creativity.
The main groups—
Cruzeiros do Norte
Monte Sossego
Flores do Mindelo
Vindos do Oriente
—take over the streets with elaborate floats (“andor”), music, dance, and costumes, all based on carefully chosen themes.
Carnaval is not just a show—it’s also a competition. Each group aims to be crowned “Best of Carnaval,” a title that carries immense pride. In 2025, Cruzeiros do Norte took the prize. Who will win in 2026?
Join Us for Carnaval! 🌟
At Green Line Tours, we make sure our guests get the full Carnaval experience:
Daily tours on São Vicente & Santo Antão (Full Day, Half Day, and City Walks) to explore key sites and soak up the atmosphere.
Visits to group rehearsals, where you’ll see the dedication and passion behind the parades.
📩 Contact us to plan your Carnaval adventure:greenlinetourscv@gmail.com | WhatsApp: +238 977 0914
Tickets & Seating
At the moment, bleacher tickets/bracelets are not sold far in advance. In recent years, they’ve only been released just a few days before Carnaval, often with strict purchase limits (for example, 2 tickets per person).
Because of this unpredictability, we don’t currently offer ticket booking services—but we are monitoring the situation closely and will share updates as soon as more information becomes available.
For those looking for a guaranteed spot, Hotel Oasis Porto Grande offers tickets for veranda seating overlooking the parade route. The hotel also hosts lively parties in the days leading up to Carnaval, making it a great option for visitors who want to enjoy the festivities in style.
You may also check LIGOC, the official Carnaval organization, for announcements and ticketing information.
✨ Whether it’s the infectious beat of the Mandingas, the beauty of Samba Tropical, or the grand spectacle of Carnaval Tuesday, one thing is certain: Carnaval in Mindelo is an experience you’ll never forget.
See you in 2026!
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