Culture of Cape Verde

Cape Verdean culture is rich and diverse, shaped by centuries of African and Portuguese influences, and expressed through its music, language, traditions, and daily life.
How to Play Ouril: Rules of The Traditional Game

How to Play Ouril: Rules of The Traditional Game

26.08.2025 | , ,

Ouril (also spelt ouri, uril, urim, or ori depending on the island) is a traditional Cape Verdean board game of the mancala family. It was brought to Cabo Verde by enslaved people from West Africa and has been passed down through generations. The game is especially popular among men, often played in public squares and port towns, such as Mindelo (São Vicente). In essence, Ouril is a two-player strategy game where each player “sows” seeds and captures the opponent’s seeds to gain an advantage. Below is a comprehensive guide in two parts: first, a beginner-friendly walk-through of rules and gameplay; second, advanced tips on strategy and regional variations (including notes on the island of Sal).

A Blend of Atlantic Influences

Cape Verdean culture is shaped by the country’s unique position in the Atlantic and its history as a crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The archipelago’s population — largely descended from African and Portuguese ancestors — has developed a Creole identity that permeates daily life, music, language, cuisine, and social customs. Although each island has its unique character, a shared cultural foundation unites them. Cape Verde’s culture is not static. It evolves through migration, diaspora influences, and contact with tourists and international partners. Yet at its core, it remains rooted in the lived realities of island life: resourcefulness, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.

Arte d’Zona: The New, Yoyful Colours of Santa Maria

Arte d’Zona: The New, Yoyful Colours of Santa Maria

15.11.2022 | , ,

Arianna Casaburo is originally from Naples and has lived in Santa Maria for several years. She is an Italian fashion designer but also works as a kitesurfing instructor. During the pandemic, she had no one to teach, so she spent her free time walking the deserted streets of Santa Maria. That’s when she noticed the streets were grey and neglected, making the city look sad.

The Remembrance, Resistance and Revolution

The Remembrance, Resistance and Revolution

26.07.2021 | , ,

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The Great Gym Built From Rubbish by Alcindo (Video)

The Great Gym Built From Rubbish by Alcindo (Video)

26.05.2019 | , ,

In the CNN’s Great Big Story Alcindo Soares says that he grew up in Cape Verde, dreaming of the day when he would become a professional athlete. Because – like many other Cape Verdeans – he had no money to go to an indoor gym, Alcindo improvised, using garbage washed up on the shores of Sal Island to build his exercise equipment. With his background in construction, he was able to assemble the outdoor gym with ease. Thanks to his astonishing work, many people can now enjoy training for free in one of the island’s most beautiful places – on the sandy beach, just a few steps from the ocean, with a chill breeze and sun over their heads. “The fact that a gym like this exists in Santa Maria no only for me, but for the people here, is very important,” Alcindo says.

Strange Sculpture on Rua 15 de Agosto in Santa Maria

Strange Sculpture on Rua 15 de Agosto in Santa Maria

06.02.2019 | , ,

On 15 Agosto Street in Santa Maria, we find an interesting curiosity, a sculpture described as a Stone Artifact. Its information plate also has a quote: “From here I see the beach of the President, and you?” in four languages, and the name of the sculptor underneath, Giovanni Mandole Jr. The artwork is dated 12.09.2015. And it’s all we know about it so far. The mighty internet and the power of asking people locally gave us no trace of any other information about the meaning of this fascinating “artefact”.

Abandoned Salt Shed: the Old Ghost of Pedra de Lume

Abandoned Salt Shed: the Old Ghost of Pedra de Lume

02.12.2017 | ,

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