Africa-Press – Cape verde. The 10th edition of the Cinzas Fair kicked off today, taking place this year at Largo de Sucupira, featuring 223 exhibitors and celebrating the gastronomic and cultural tradition under the motto “Traditional Flavor, Strength of Our Women.” The event, which coincides with March, the month dedicated to women, aims to honor the elders and ancestors who contributed to preserving this tradition.
In statements to the press, the administrator of the Public Supply Service of the Municipality of Praia (SEPAMP), José Carlos Moniz, stated that out of the 223 exhibitors, 149 are vegetable vendors, 16 specialize in fish sales, and six focus on selling couscous with honey.
The event also features the traditional trapiche, used for selling syrup, and includes representatives from all municipalities of Santiago Island.
“Last year, when we had half the number of people, by Wednesday at around 10:00 AM, no one had anything left to sell. The rabidantes were satisfied and happy with their sales,” he reported.
Open to exhibitors from all the islands of the archipelago, the fair has previously welcomed representatives from Fogo, Brava, and Maio. “This year, we did not have participation from other islands, but we do have representatives from all municipalities of Santiago Island. This fair has already become a tradition in Praia, and residents look forward to it. Institutionally, it is well established, and that is beneficial for everyone,” concluded the administrator.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Praia, Francisco Carvalho, considered the fair’s organization to be of great importance.
“This time, we decided to combine the tradition of the Cinzas Fair with a tribute and recognition of women, because if we analyze the central figures who uphold this tradition, they are the rabidantes—the courageous women who keep this Ash Wednesday tradition alive,” he stated.
The mayor also pointed out that the tradition is beginning to spread to other parts of the country.
“We are very pleased because there are signs that this tradition is beginning to emerge in other parts of Cape Verde. For example, in Fogo, and we know there is growing interest in other islands as well. This is a great source of satisfaction for us. It ensures the preservation of tradition, which is being carried forward by fearless women who keep our culture increasingly alive,” he said.
Francisco Carvalho emphasized that the goal is to improve conditions for the fair’s organization.
“This year, after the renovations we carried out in Sucupira, the space has been remodeled and now provides a much better environment. More than 200 women are exhibiting their products in shaded areas, with improved safety and greater comfort. This is the path forward—to continue enhancing quality and increasing participation,” he assured.
Due to the increase in the number of participants compared to previous years, the Praia Municipality decided to hold the event at Largo de Sucupira this year, aiming to provide more space for vendors and to facilitate the sale and promotion of their products.
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