On April 3, 2025, the City of New Bedford officially declared the month of July Cabo Verdean Heritage Month, expanding upon the city’s longstanding Cape Verdean Recognition Week. The month explores and celebrates the richness of Cabo Verdean heritage and illuminates the contributions that Cape Verdeans in America, particularly in New Bedford, have made to the cultural landscape of this country. Read more about Cabo Verdean Heritage Month here and explore how the city is celebrating below.
Exhibitions
Morabeza: Cape Verdean Community in the South Coast
San Francisco Gallery at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from May 23, 2025–February 21, 2026
This exhibit explores the Cape Verdean American and Cape Verdean experience through the lens of contemporary art and community storytelling. Read more on the Whaling Museum’s website.
Claridade: Cape Verdean Identity in Contemporary Art
Wattles Family Gallery at the New Bedford Whaling Museum from June 13, 2025–December 7, 2025
The title for this exhibition takes its name from a 1936–1960 Cape Verdean literary review, and the Portuguese word translates to “clarity” or “light.” The exhibition features work from contemporary artists, poets, and filmmakers, examining how different artistic mediums convey personal experiences that, when woven together, shape and affirm cultural identity. Read more on the Whaling Museum’s website.
Casting a Wider Net: Traveling Exhibition
Cape Verdean Veterans’ Memorial Hall from July 2, 2025–August 2025
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center launched its exhibit at the center in November of 2024, and now the exhibit will travel around the community. The exhibit showcases the stories of Cape Verdean, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Vietnamese, Guatemalan, and Salvadoran members of New Bedford’s working waterfront and weaves together photographs, videos, and quotes from oral history interviews. Don’t miss the chance to experience Casting a Wider Net at the historic Cape Verdean Veterans’ Memorial Hall at the FREE opening reception on July 2 from 6–8PM. Learn more at the Fishing Heritage Center website.
Events
Kaneta Ten Voz (The Pen Has a Voice)
June 28, 5-8PM at 3rd EyE Unlimited
Kaneta Ten Voz was created in 2024 as a space to celebrate artistic expression in all forms, especially poetry, spoken word, and storytelling. In its first year, Kaneta Ten Voz reached Cape Verde and the Netherlands.
KabuMerikanus- The Sum of US
June 29, 4-6PM at The New Cape Verdean Ultramarine Band and Club
July 13, 2–4PM at the Cape Verdean Veterans’ Memorial Hall
July 24, 6-8PM at the Underground Railroad Cafe and Gallery
Explore the musical connection and legacy between Cabo Verde and the United States at this musical book presentation by author and musician Candida Rose with the KabuJazz Ensemble.
Cabo Verdean Recognition Flag Raising Ceremony
June 30, 5:30-6:30PM outside of City Hall
Music and a speaking program will be followed by the annual raising of the Cabo Verdean flag outside of City Hall.
La Soul Renaissance’s 3rd Annual Cape Verdean Poetry Festival
July 3, 7-11:30PM at the Cape Verdean Veterans’ Memorial Hall
This year, the festival will honor the 50th anniversary of Cabo Verde’s independence, featuring performances by spoken word activists, artists, and visionaries.
Cape Verdean Independence Day Bike Ride
July 4, 10AM-6PM Starting at the Underground Railroad Cafe and Gallery and ending at Hazelwood Park
The Underground Railroad Cafe has partnered with the Cape Verdean American Veterans Association, reviving this tradition to honor the 50th anniversary of Cabo Verdean independence. The ride will navigate through the city’s historic Cape Verdean neighborhoods and end with a celebration at Hazelwood Park with music, vendors, food, and games.
Cape Verdean Recognition Parade and Kultura Fest
Saturday, July 5, 11AM–6PM Parade navigates down Union Street to the Cape Verdean Veterans Hall, and Kultura Fest takes place at Serenity Gardens at Bedford Street and South 6th Street
The 53rd Cape Verdean Recognition Parade is a lively parade beginning at Rockdale Avenue at Buttonwood Park. After the parade, enjoy live music, vendors, cultural food, and more.
Kriolas di Muzika: Not Just for Men Anymore
July 26, 3-5PM at the New Bedford Free Public Library
This sonic book presentation and concert celebrates the contributions of Cabo Verdean and Cabo Verdean American women to the musical heritage of the archipelago and its diasporas. Featuring Candida Rose and the KabuJazz Ensemble.
R&B and Cape Verdean Brunch
July 6, 11AM–3PM at The Vault Performing Arts Center and Pub
Bring your dancing shoes because DJ Lady K will be performing classic R&B hits and Creole music alongside a brunch.
FriYAY: Candida Rose and Jose Luis Santos Spencer
July 11, 6–8PM at the New Bedford Art Museum
Enjoy a special performance by this duo from the KabuJazz Ensemble in the inspiring setting of the art museum.
