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REPUBLIC OF CABO-VERDE

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Candida Rose New CD Release

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Location The island of Brava is located in the extreme Southeast of the leeward group of the  Archipelago, with an elliptic configuration, it has a surface of 64 km2 and the maximum length of 9 km East-Westward. It is 20 km away from the island of Fogo and from this viewpoint you can see four small islets where the fishermen go from time to time. Brava is the smallest island of the Archipelago with the exception of the uninhabited Santa Luzia. It is very  mountainous and its highest point is Monte Fontainhas. Deep and abrupt valleys contrast with its high peaks. The coastline is very rugged, forming many bays such as: Furna, Anção, Fajã de Água and Somo.  Evidence of the vulcanic past  of the island can be seen in Fundo Grande; a crater preserved by time.  Brava Island of Flowers

History It was discovered in 1462 and its began to become populated after 1680. Due to the eruption of the volcano of Pico, in the nearby island of Fogo, its inhabitants all relocated to Brava.   By the end of the XVIII century the New Bedford and  Rhode Island whaleboats started to use the island as a supply stop in the mid Atlantic. Little by little the men from Brava, with their fame for being excellent mariners, find work aboard these whaleboats. But because the living conditions on these boats were very hard, the Caboverdians started to look for jobs on land, mainly in Massachusetts, thus commencing the emigration to the United States of America, where still today the greater part of the commercialized products come from the United States. There is the greatest Caboverdian community abroad.  Therefore, it is not by chance that Brava, English is widely spoken. Besides the remittances of money from the United States for families still residing in Brava, the economy of the island is based on agriculture and fishing.

Coffee, sugar-cane, manioc/mandioca, corn and potatoes are the main agricultural products, while the sea, rich in fish and food (lobster, limpet and conch), gives work to hundreds of people. Brava is also known as the island of Nho Eugénio, a famous name in the Caboverdian poetry and music.  Eugénio Tavares, either writing in Portuguese or in Dialect of Cabo-Verde is, without any doubt, the undisputed master of the "morna".   It was on this island as well that, due to its intense relationship with the United States of America, Caboverdian Protestantism originated.

Cultural Events Just like the other islands the popular festivities are all  throughout the year and they are celebrated with great enthusiasm.  However, it is the "Juaninas" festivities that attract most of the attention. JANUARY 6th: This is the island where the Day of the Three Wise Men is commemorated everywhere.   JUNE 13th:   Saint Anthony starts the "Juaninas" festivities. JUNE 24th:  The feast of Saint John (Nho Sandjon) is one of the main events on the cultural calendar of the island.

Besides being the most traditional one, this feast coincides with the day of the Patron saint of the island, Saint John the Baptist,  and is a unique experience of gathering with emigrants from all over the world, particularly from the United States, as well as visitors from the other islands.  JUNE 29th- Saint Peter (Nho Sanpedro) continues the program of feasts.   AUGUST & SEPTEMBER - In various  places there are commemorations of feasts like the ones in honor of Saint Paul & Paulinho, (Sanpalo & Sanpalinho).

SPORT & ENTERTAINMENT The visitor can spend many pleasurable hours on the island, just walking or driving in the towns or in the surrounding countryside. The scenery is beautiful and magnificent panoramic views can be had from a number of viewing points.  The entire atmosphere is one of relaxation, for from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Brava is known as the island of the flowers (ilha das flores) and without doubt the colorful gardens with sweet fragrances of the hibiscus, the bougainvillea, the jasmine and others are a beautiful sight. Relaxing on the beaches or swimming in the extraordinary lagoons sheltered from the wind are the attractive alternatives.  This is also a fisherman's paradise.

Port of Furna in the Island of Brava, Cabo-Verde

Brava Boa Vista Fogo Maio Sal Santo Antão São Nicolau São Tiago São Vicente

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