MANDINGA

Mandinga Warriors of Cape Verde – Ritual, Resistance, and Celebration

The Mandinga warriors are a powerful symbol of Cape Verdean culture, especially during Carnival, when they take to the streets in striking, handmade costumes—painted black, adorned with feathers, beads, chains, and tribal elements. Their performances are intense and theatrical, filled with drumming, dance, and storytelling that blend history with living tradition.

Rooted in the heritage of the Mandinka people of West Africa, the Mandinga tradition arrived in Cape Verde through the transatlantic slave trade. Over time, it transformed—mixing with local customs to become a unique form of cultural expression that speaks of resilience, identity, and ancestral pride.

These performances are not just festive displays—they are acts of remembrance. Through ritual, movement, and music, the Mandinga warriors evoke a collective past while also asserting a strong and creative Afro-Cape Verdean identity. They pass on stories, rhythms, and symbols from generation to generation, keeping history alive in motion.

This photographic series captures the raw energy, emotion, and cultural depth of the Mandinga warriors—offering a window into a tradition that is both political and celebratory, rooted in memory yet constantly evolving.