1583 CAPE VERDE (São Vicente) - Mindelo

Founded in 1795 by the Portuguese, Mindelo is a port city in the northern part of the island of São Vicente, one of the Barlavento islands, located between the islands of Santo Antão and Santa Luzia, with the Canal de São Vicente separating it from Santo Antão. Situated at the Porto Grande Bay, a large natural harbour, the town is surrounded by low mountains (the Monte Cara and the Morro Branco headland to the west, and the Monte Verde to the east), and is crossed by the river  Ribeira de Julião. Known for its colourful and animated carnival celebrations, with roots in Portuguese traditions and some Brazilian characteristics, it is home to 93% of the entire island's population.Its economy consists mainly of business, fishing, shipping, boating and more commonly tourism which developed more recently.

About the stamp

The stamp was issued on May 5, 2014, to mark the 800th Anniversary of the Portuguese Language (Joint Issue with Brazil & Portugal).

References
Mindelo - Wikipedia

Sender: Holger Kaufhold
Sent from Santa Maria (Sal / Cape Verde), on 21.01.2015
Photo: Marit Roloff Atanazio