Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Ministry of Culture and Creative Industries signed a financial incentive protocol this Monday with the four official groups of the Praia Carnival, guaranteeing an advance of 50% of the amount allocated for the preparation of the 2026 parade.
The total amount is 860 contos, and each group will now receive 430 contos and a trip to Dakar or Lisbon to continue preparations for the 2026 Carnival.
According to the Minister of Culture and Creative Industries, Augusto Veiga, the amount represents an increase of more than 20% compared to 2025 and more than 50% compared to 2024.
He also stated that the decision to make the advance was motivated by the difficulties the groups face due to the proximity of the Carnival date to the start of the fiscal year.
“It was our intention to make this 50% advance payment this year, facilitating the preparation and production of next year’s Carnival. We had to overcome some internal bureaucracy, but we managed to do it now, at the beginning of November,” the governor emphasized.
According to the minister, the four main carnivals of Cape Verde – São Vicente, São Nicolau, Praia, and Sal – already have 50% of their funding secured for 2026, with the second installment expected in the last week of January.
In turn, representing the groups, the head of the Afro Abel Djassi Bloc, Gamal Mascarenhas, pointed out the historic nature of the measure, highlighting that it is the first time the Government has made an advance payment of financial support.
“We wanted to thank the Ministry of Culture for this gesture of advancing 50% of the amount, which has also been increased. It’s something historic and a long-standing demand of the carnival groups. We always faced difficulties because the support and sponsorships arrived late, at the last minute, which created great constraints,” he said.
Gamal Mascarenhas explained that the ministry’s decision will allow the groups to begin preparations for the 2026 Carnival “with some peace of mind,” especially at a time when there are still unpaid debts from last year’s parade.
“In the situation we are in, still with unpaid debts, this action will help to raise the Praia Carnival to a higher level,” reinforced Gamal Mascarenhas.
He also praised the Government’s support in allocating a ticket to each group, destined for Lisbon or Dakar, for the advance purchase of materials.
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