Located in the municipality of Santa Catalina, on the island of Santiago, in Cape Verde, the beautiful city of Assomada is the second largest in the archipelago, after Praia. The vibrant and lively city sits at an altitude of 550 metres, on a plateau surrounded by mountains and farmland. With approximately 7,000 inhabitants, it is an excellent place to go shopping, combining a rural and urban feel. It has numerous Portuguese colonial-style buildings that are a true reflection of its historical past. Its market is considered the largest and busiest on the island of Santiago, offering everything you may need. Assomada’s cultural life is concentrated around Tabanka Museum, housed in a former building of the Repartição da Fazenda e dos Correios, considered cultural heritage due to its architectural design. On 24 November, the town celebrates it festivities dedicated to Saint Catalina.
- History and context
- What can you see on your visit to Assomada
- Assomada Market
- What to eat in Assomada and where
- Events and festivals
History and context
The history of Assomada and the Cape Verde archipelago can be traced back to this town on the island of Santiago, or more specifically, to Tabanka Museum, where historical documents charting the culture and traditions of the country have been conserved. Here, visitors can delve into the region’s past, from its African roots to its Portuguese colonial period and its subsequent independence.
What can you see on your visit to Assomada
On a tourist visit to Assomada, be sure to stop at the Cruz de Picos Viewpoint, to discover the views of the Fonte Valley. Make sure you also stroll through the town’s Central Square and visit the Church of the Nazarene and the Norberto Tavares Cultural Centre. Afterwards, head to the Municipal Market to enjoy the hustle and bustle and the colour of its local produce. Tabanka Museum, where you can learn about the history of the city and the archipelago, is also a must-see. The Museum, one of the main cultural centres in the area, was opened in February 2000 to breathe new life into the cultural offerings of the municipality of Santa Catalina and the interior of the island of Santiago.
Assomada is also surrounded by impressive natural scenery. To the north is the Serra Malagueta Nature Reserve, with its green mountains, impressive waterfalls and a wide range of flora and fauna. Here, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching and picnics.
Assomada Market
Assomada Market is one of the must-see place for visitors in the town. One of the largest and busies in Cape Verde, it offers everything from fresh local produce (fruits, vegetables, etc.) to handmade crafts. The tropical fruit stalls are worth capturing with your camera, since they are a feast of colour, including mango, papaya, guava and banana, among other fresh fruits. The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday.
What to eat in Assomada and where
Assomada offers abundant traditional Cape Verdean cuisine. Be sure to sample the flavours of its most traditional dishes, such as cachupa, the national dish par excellence, which consists of a type of corn stew with beans, pork or fish and vegetables. Fish is very good quality and usually served grilled. The most common is garopa, a red fish which is used to make caldo de peixe, typical of the mountain areas. Also popular is a tuna pie, which is baked after adding in eggs, onion and garlic. Another traditional dish is djagacida, made from bacon, flour and beans. Be sure to also try grogue, a local brandy made from sugarcane. In Assomada there are numerous restaurants and food stalls, some of the best known are GiraSol, Churrasquería Colombo, TimeOut, Bar Terra, Asa Branca, Espaço Ecológico Nhagar, ELDS Espaço Aberto, Ponto d’Encontro and Nova Alegría.
Events and festivals
The city of Assomada, located just 26 kilometres northwest of Praia, plays host to numerous events and festivals taking place throughout the year. One of the most famous is Tabanka Festival, a celebration of traditional Cape Verdean music and dance paying tribute to the liberation of slaves, which attracts visitors from all over the world during the month of June. Also well known is the Assomada Handicraft Fair, where local artists exhibit and sell their work. The town’s patron saint festivities, dedicated to Saint Catalina, are held on 24 November.
