Unstaged Carnival

The carnival in Cabo Verde is not (yet) a tourist attraction. People in Mindelo organise it for themselves. There is no merchandise, no commercials, and very few tourists. It is an unforgettable experience to find yourself in a place and situation you do not understand, and to try to take photographs and make sense of it at the same time.

thanks to 2025 edition of the Cabo Verde photography workshop with pokochajfotografie.pl

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Mandinga. The costumed participants often pose and fool around for the camera, ruining every attempt to make a meaningful photo.

São Vicente, Cabo Verde, March 2025

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Evening. Somewhere near the main square, a beer stand. In a moment, another carnival procession will begin.

São Vicente, Cabo Verde, March 2025

Late in the night at the sidewalk, waiting for another group of dancers.

São Vicente, Cabo Verde, March 2025

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Early in the morning. On every corner there seem to someone waiting for something.

Santo Antão, Cabo Verde, March 2025

Downtown Mindelo. Typical chaos. The sea and the fish market is about a hundred meters ahead, behind, the big market.

São Vicente, Cabo Verde, March 2025

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Kids are drumming on plastic buckets and wearing masks everywhere. Everyone is living the carnival.

Salamansa, Cabo Verde, March 2025

It is three in the afternoon. The painting for the Mandinga is almost done. A final check before joining the parade, which will last until sunset.

São Vicente, Cabo Verde, March 2025

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The sidewalks along the parade route are full of people who wait patiently for hours for the next group of dancers.

São Vicente, Cabo Verde, March 2025

In Mindelo, dogs are everywhere. In Salamansa, there seem to be even more of them.

Salamansa, Cabo Verde, March 2025

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Carnival installations break down all the time and are repaired on the fly. Here, just before setting off on the route, the mechanic is waiting for the next malfunction.

São Vicente, Cabo Verde, March 2025