Baía das Gatas

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Baía das Gatas

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Island:	São Vicente
Municipality:	São Vicente
Parish:	Nossa Senhora da Luz

Baía das Gatas (Portuguese for the Bay of the "Gatas", which is what S.Vicente residents name a specific species of shark - sandy-colored, harmless, no longer than 5 feet, that lives in the relatively shallow waters of S. Vicente, and of Bay of the Gatas most specifically) is the name of a natural bay in the northeast of São Vicente Island in Cape Verde. It is the location of an internationally famous music festival. It is located 10 km east of the city of Mindelo, the island's capital. Baía das Gatas is linked with a road that passes through the mountains with Mindelo to the west. There is yet no road to Calhau. Much of the area are grasslands, rocky terrain or deforested; a few plantations of acacias are around the area.

The Baía das Gatas is one enormous natural pool. East of Baía das Gatas features the beach of Praia Grande.

Since 1983, the 'Festival de Música da Baía das Gatas happens every year in the first weekend of the month of August. The crowds gather in the beach of Baía das Gatas and features local and international music. It features music from all over the world for this great music festival and obviously predominates the African rhythmns. The music are sang by national and international artists and bands. The festival also contains various cultural programs.