---
title: Carnival in Mindelo
teaser: São Vicente's biggest party — when it happens, where to stand, and how the whole island reorganizes itself around the parade.
draft: false
---

## 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](/guides/live-music-in-mindelo) keeps going
until sunrise.