PLAY: Transport yourself to Cape Verde, via Cesária Évora
Playlist with travel commentary/notes
Travel with our ears to the Cape…
Located in the Central Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is a captivating island we should be so fortunate to explore on foot, by a dive in and sail on water. The small archipelago and island country is blessed with lush landscapes (volcanic on parts), resplendent shores, vibrant culture and enchanting people. One of the most celebrated Cape Verdans is the late great chantuese, Cesária Évora.
Known for her deep alto voice — the epitome of “gravitas” — Évora enchants the ears of audiences worldwide. Her blues-tingued alto ”morna” tone, sung in Portuguese based Creole (Kriolu), is rich as the soil of her native land. Eventually, Évora recorded a dozen of original albums and earned a Grammy in 2014 for the effort, Voz d’ámor.
Because of Evora, I became more aware of Cape Verde. Though it is geographically represented as slivers on the giant world map, this place is vast with territory including 10 islands. Santiago is the most populous island and the area where the capital and major airport, Praia, is located. Evora hails from Mindelo, a major port city on Sao Vicente island.
Now, hear 2 transcending songs that audibly transports us to the Cape and a world renowned classic sung by sensational Cesária.
Mar Azul
(See English lyrical translation: “Blue Sea”)(See English lyrical translation: “ Sea of the Channels”)
Last but not least…
3. Besame Mucho
More from Cesária Évora:
Hear Evora’s full concert from 2001, in Paris, France
See various photos of Cesaria - The 1991 and 2006 shots are most lovely!
Best of the Beaches
Santa Maria Beach- White sands and long shoreline!
3 Amazing Landmarks You Most Visit in Cabo Verde:
Rock formation of Carbeirinho Visually stunning!
Pedra de Lume on Sal Have a unique spa experience in salt water baths!
Monte Gordo- the reason why this country is what it’s called Verde. Goregeous GREEN!
Where to see cute sea turtles: Cape Verde is home to a largest population of Carreta Carreta sea turtles. 90% of the nests are found at Boavista. The nesting season takes place primarily between June and October. Where to admire these fantastic cratures? On the islands of Maio and Sal.
An ideal time to visit the Cape: February, durning Carnival. No crowds here like there would be in Rio De Janeiro!
How to get to Cabo Verde (See and booking options via CheapOAir link)
From the US: Major airports, i.e., New York- JFK or Newark. Lufthansa, TAP and Royal Air Maroc frequently fly to Praia, Cape Verde (airport code-RAI)
From the UK: London Heathrow or Gatwick. TAP and Royal Air Maroc frequently fly to/from Praia, Cape Verde (airport code-RAI)
From France: Paris airport-ORY. Transavia, TAP and Royal Air Maroc frequently fly to/from Praia, Cape Verde (airport code-RAI)
Visit MARINA DEL PLAY AT MARINARENA.COM
Cape Verde is on my list! I fell in love woth the culture while visiting Lisbon and finding the community there. I cannot wait to sink into this post 🤍
Sorely missed. Wonderful singer.