Stella Maris Maio

13/05/2026

The African Capitals of Culture programme was set up in 2018. It is intended to highlight and celebrate African culture through events, shows and activities. Cape Verde has now been chosen as the African Capital of Culture for 2028. The African Union Culture Directorate evaluated the submissions and praised the Cape Verde submission as being well structured. The announcement stated that the proposal ‘stood out for its clarity and comprehensive approach to fostering creativity’.

The programme for 2028 is intended to include all of the Cape Verde islands, although Praia (on the island of Santiago) will be the main hub. Augusto Veiga, the Minister of Culture, stated that this is more than just a celebration. It is also good for the nation’s economy. He said “Our objective is to position culture as a driver for long-term development”. The government wants to concentrate on heritage, collective memory and contemporary cultural practices. Augusto Veiga finished by saying “We want all cultural and artistic sectors to feel that hosting the African Capitals of Culture was truly worthwhile”.
www.stella-maris-maio.com/african-capitals-of-culture

29/04/2026

It seems that almost every month there is news of more international flights to Cape Verde. This time we have heard of another EasyJet route and also new links with the United States. In addition to these additional flights, the cruise market is also growing. This all points to Cape Verde continuing to establish itself as a major tourist destination.

EasyJet is commencing direct flights between Amsterdam and Sal in October 2026. This route is already available for booking on the EasyJet website. There will be three flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. EasyJet has stated that this development is in response to an increasing demand for warm, sunny destinations in the colder months in Northern Europe. This brings the airlines connections to Sal to seven (Amsterdam, Bristol, Lisbon, London Gatwick, Manchester, Milan and Porto).

Up until July 2021 Cabo Verde Airlines flew between Praia (on the Island of Santiago) and Boston in the USA. Before that the airline had flown to Rhode Island, but that service ceased in 2017. However, there is now news that the airline has notified the US. Transportation Department that it intends to recommence flights to T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) Providence, Rhode Island. This route is expected to start on 31 March 2027. This is a natural route for the Cape Verdean airline as there is a large Cape Verdean diaspora in that part of US.

15/04/2026

For the first time since before the Covid pandemic, flights between Cape Verde and Brazil will restart. Cabo Verde Airlines will be flying between Praia (on Santiago) and Recife the state capital of Pernambuco. Initially this will be a weekly service, Wednesday from Praia to Recife and Thursday in the opposite direction. It is hoped to increase this to twice a week. This service commences in early May. The route will provide better connections between Brazil and West Africa, by giving an option that avoids busy European hubs. It also offers an alternative route to Europe from north west Brazil. This is a natural connection because of the cultural links and the language shared by both countries. It is anticipated that there will be tourism benefits to Cape Verde as well as to the north west part of Brazil. www.stella-maris-maio.com/flights-between-cape-verde-and-brazil

25/03/2026

Previously we have reported on a Cape Verdean Creole-English dictionary. It was published by Mili Mila. This publishing company was formed in 2016 and so is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The company was formed to promote Cape Verdean Creole, the culture and the community. The first dictionary (green cover) was published in 2015, but last year a larger, revised version was produced (orange cover). The new version captures more than 100,000 Creole words and expressions. It includes examples from both the Sotavento and Barlavento creole variations.

The company is producing a variety of items as it grows. These include workbooks, flash cards and children's stories, apps and online language courses and workshops. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the Creole-English dictionary you will find information on this books page on Discover Cape Verde. Both versions are available.

11/03/2026

Once again there is a new internal airline operating the flights within Cape Verde. The new airline is called CVsky and has been formed by the government to improve the inter-island transportation.

For a long time the unreliability of flights between the islands has been a problem for both residents and visitors. It has been damaging to tourism because people could not rely on the flight they had booked. Flight time changes and cancellations happened at short notice and often without any communication with the passengers.

Tickets are already available to purchase on the CVsky website. The service commences officially on 28 March. It appears that some islands will also have more flights. For example, there will be four flights a week to the island of Maio. Previously there were not more than three. Similarly, they show four flights a week between Praia (Santiago) and São Nicolau. If this new internal airline maintains this level of service it will make an enormous difference to inter-island connectivity.

04/03/2026

The Airport Security Tax (TSA) for visitors to Cape Verde was introduced a few years ago. All visitors to Cape Verde are required to pre-register on the EASE platform. Whilst many people do pre-register, many others leave it and pay the TSA on arrival at the Cape Verde airport. The Directorate of Foreigners and Borders (DEF) - have recorded a significant increase in people paying on arrival.

We have seen reports that people who have not pre-registered on the EASE platform may be penalised on arrival in Cape Verde. The reports suggested that the fee of 31€ would double to 62€ when paying at the airport. This measure was due to come into force on 3 March. Subsequently this plan appears to have been suspended. However, suspension does suggest that it might be reinstated at some point. It is therefore advisable that all visitors to the country pre-register online at least five days before arrival. Visitors travelling as part of a package holiday should check with the holiday company. Some companies may include the TSA within the cost of the holiday.

11/02/2026

It is carnival time again. The carnival celebrations start within a few days. In Mindelo on the island of São Vicente it commences on 15 February and runs for seven days. Whilst the festivities in Mindelo are considered to be the biggest and most elaborate, all the islands celebrate carnival. Shrove Tuesday is 17 February and that is the day of the main event on all the islands. Carnival is a celebration before the start of the Christian period of Lent. It is characterised by dancing, music, elaborate costumes and street parades.
www.stella-maris-maio.com/carnival-celebrations

06/02/2026

Movie - Maio, Cape Verde
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This movie illustrates some of the highlights of the island of Maio, Cabo Verde. One of the smaller, less visited islands, Maio is a gem.

28/01/2026

National Heroes' Day
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Cape Verde celebrates National Heroes' Day every 20 January.

21/01/2026

Little Africa Maio - update
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The Little Africa project on Maio island was to start on site in July 2021. It's now been announced to start in the first quarter of 2026.