Mindelo Life
FR

Carnival in Mindelo

São Vicente's biggest party — when it happens, where to stand, and how the whole island reorganizes itself around the parade.

Five days in February or March

Carnival (Karnaval) moves with Easter. Mindelo reorganizes itself: Avenida Marginal becomes a runway, schools ("escolas de samba") rehearse for months, and Friday-to-Tuesday the city runs on parade time.

The essentials

  • The parade rolls down the waterfront — arrive two hours early with water; the good standing spots go fast
  • Costume groups start in the harbour district; follow the drums
  • Fat Tuesday is the climax; Ash Wednesday the city sleeps

Between parades, the live music keeps going until sunrise.