Cape Verde "An Archipelago of 10 Volcanic Islands"

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Carnival/Ash Wednesday

The Carnival, which is held in February or March around Ash Wednesday, is celebrated on all islands, though most fully on Sao Vicente and Sao Nicolau. The streets of Mindelo come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival in February.

Mindelo is the main city on Cape Verde and known to have the most beautiful Carnival festival in the region. The kindergarten and elementary school students design colourful floats and displays that are part of the opening day parade. The Carnival runs from February 24th and lasts through Ash Wednesday, and the participants wear elaborate costumes and dress as kings, queens, jesters, ballerinas and witches.

Preparation begins in December and is fierce among the local residents. The festival has grown in popularity through the years and is now drawing in record numbers of tourists to the islands every year.