Carnival was introduced by Portuguese settlers . The celebration is celebrated on each of the archipelago 's nine inhabited islands . In Mindelo , São Vicente , groups challenge each other for a yearly prize . It has imported various Brazilian Carnival traditions . The celebration in São Nicolau is more traditional , where established groups parade through the Ribeira Brava , gathering in the town square , although it has adopted drums , floats and costumes from Brazil . In São Nicolau , three groups , Copa Cabana , Estrela Azul , and Brilho Da Zona , construct a painted float using fire , newspaper for the mold , and iron and steel for structure . Carnival São Nicolau is celebrated over three days : dawn Saturday , Sunday afternoon , and Tuesday . The celebrations are captured in the award-winning feature documentary Tchindas , nominated at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards
12th Africa Movie Academy Awards
12th Africa Movie Academy Awards
Carnival