Cape Verde History
Discovered in 1460 by Portuguese settlers, Cape Verde was the first permanent European settlement in the Tropics. Here they founded Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha on Santiago Island.
Raided by Sir Francis Drake, in 1585, and the French in 1712, Cidade Velha diminished in importance relative to Praia which became the capital in 1770. Because of its excellent harbours, principally in Praia and Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente, Cape Verde became an important commercial centre during the 19th century.
In 1975, the islands achieved independence, partially due to the efforts of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC). After independence, the PAIGC attempted to unite Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau into one nation, the PAIGC controlling both governments, but a coup in the latter nation in 1980 ended these plans. In Cape Verde itself the PAICV (affiliated with the PAIGC) governed until democratic elections were held in 1991 that resulted in a change of government. The MpD (Movimento para a Democracia) won that election and it was re-elected in 1996. The PAICV returned to power in 2001 and they achieved re-election in 2006.
Portuguese is Cape Verde's official language and the language of instruction in official schools. However, the Cape Verdean Crioulo languages are also widely spoken. These are a range of Portuguese-based creole languages, which vary considerably from island to island.
There is a substantial body of literature in these languages, especially in the Crioulo of Santiago (badiu) and the Crioulo of São Vicente (Criol d' Soncent). The Crioulo languages have been gaining prestige since the nation's independence from Portugal, and there is a movement to make the variant of Santiago the official language of the country. The substantial differences between the languages spoken in different islands, each with its traditional spelling system, have been a major obstacle in the way of this move. Some people have advocated the development of two standardised official languages: a North (Barlavento) standard, centered on the Crioulo of San Vicente, and a South (Sotavento) standard, centered on that of Santiago.
Many Cape Verdeans speak English in Praia but outside the Capital in rural areas this is less common. About 70% of the population is of mixed African and European decent with the remaining 30% of pure African decent. The people are known as Mesticos. There are also many Portuguese and most inhabitants are Roman Catholic with religion often mixed with indigenous beliefs. There are nine different dialects of Creole spoken on each island. These are a blend of West African and Portuguese and unique to the archipelago.
Mesticos are European ancestors including Spanish and Italian seamen who were granted land by the Portuguese empire. The Cape Verdean archipelago was uninhabited until the Portuguese discovered it in 1456 when African slaves were brought to the islands to work on Portuguese banana and coconut plantations.
Morna is by the most popular genre of Cape Verdean music, and it has produced an international superstar in Cesária Évora. Morna is, like Argentinian tango, a national song-style beloved by Cape Verdeans across the many islands of the country. It is related to Portuguese fado and its close cousin, Brazilian modinha. Lyrics are usually in Crioulo, and reflect highly-variable themes, including love and lust, patriotism and mourning.
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