Local Population and Cultural Influences

Uninhabited when discovered by Portuguese explorers, in 1460, the islands remained a Portuguese colony until 1975.  Cape Verde is now a democratic republic with a legal and political system along European lines.  The diverse population includes Creoles, Africans, Portuguese and many other nationalities, since for centuries the islands were a vital refuelling station for ships from all parts of the world. 

Cultural identity is important to the Cape Verdeans with their own distinct style of music. There is an incredible choice of fish and seafood as well as local dishes made from a wide choice of home grown fruit (coconut, mango, papaya, dates and sugar cane) and vegetables (maize, beans, cassava and sweet potato).  The local rum is called “grogue” and is thought to be the origin of the word “groggy”!!