A Day With Rabelados and Lunch At Family Home – Santiago

The Meeting Point in Front of Sucupira Market

Among stalls full of fruit, spices, and colorful fabrics, you’ll find the “Meeting Point” — a simple gathering spot where passengers wait for the journey north or to the island’s inland villages.

There are no fixed schedules: the hiace leaves only when it’s full, making each departure unique and often unpredictable.

The day begins in the vibrant heart of Praia, right in front of the colorful Sucupira Market, where the scents of spices, the sound of voices, and the rhythm of daily life fill the air.

From here, the journey starts in the most authentic way possible — aboard a typical public hiace, the local minibus that connects towns and villages across Santiago.

We chose to travel by hiace not just for sustainability, but because it’s a joyful, human experience that brings you closer to Cape Verdean life.

Sharing the ride with locals — mothers carrying baskets of fruit, workers, and students — you’ll find yourself chatting, laughing, and listening to Creole music as the landscape unfolds.

It’s a fun, genuine way to feel the island’s heartbeat and connect with its people.

The route north offers changing views: green valleys, small rural villages, and distant glimpses of the ocean.

After about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive in Espinho Branco, home to the remarkable community of the Rabelados — people who, decades ago, chose to live in peace and harmony, away from modern society.

In the 1940s, the Rabelados resisted changes imposed by the Church and retreated to the hills, preserving their faith, rituals, and a way of life rooted in simplicity and spirituality.

Today, they’re also known for their naïve art, colorful paintings filled with symbols, faith, and stories of everyday life.

Visitors are welcomed into their homes and art workshops, where artists share their stories and creations.

Then comes a highlight of the day — a traditional lunch, lovingly prepared by a local family using ingredients from their own gardens.

After the meal, you’ll enjoy a strong, aromatic Cape Verdean coffee, relaxing under the shade while time seems to slow down and conversations flow gently.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Praia by hiace, as the sun paints the hills in warm gold tones.

The ride back is calm and full of smiles — a perfect ending to a day rich in encounters, culture, and quiet beauty.