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Social Profile
Food & Drink: There is an increasing number of restaurants and cafes. The main local culinary speciality is cachupa, a mess of maize and beans. Fruits include mangoes, bananas, papayas, goiabas (guavas), zimbrão, tambarinas, marmelos, azedinhas, tamaras and cocos. Local beer, wine and spirits are commonly available; grogue is a popular choice. Soft drinks are expensive.
Nightlife: Some hotels provide evening entertainment. Small villages will have a lively taverna. Most nightlife is on the main islands: there are 21 nightclubs in Cape Verde – eight on Santiago, seven on Sal, five on São Vicente and one on Fogo. Praia has a cultural centre at which local Cape Verdean artists and instrumentalists perform.
Shopping: There are daily markets. The Santa Catarina market is held Wednesday and Saturday. Coconut shells are carved by local craftsmen; there is also pottery, lacework and basketry. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1500-1900; Sat 0900-1300.
Special Events: There are several annual festivals and carnivals, the precise dates of which change from year to year. Many Saints’ days are celebrated all over the islands, and towns and villages have their own local festivals. The following is a selection of events celebrated annually; further details may be obtained from PROMEX (see Contact Addresses section):
May 2003 Festa de Santa Cruz. Jun Festival of the Solstice. Jul Independence Day Celebrations; Festa do Municipio de Boa Vista. Aug Festival Baia das Gatas; Festival of Music of Praia de Santa Cruz.
Social Conventions: The usual European social courtesies should be observed. Tipping: It is normal to give ten per cent for good service.
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