Sal Culture
The Island therefore has a culture unique to Cape Verde which continues to evolve with the increase in tourism and Euro-African immigration. This cultural symbiosis is visible in various manifestations, such as music, dance, popular festivities and gastronomy...
Pilgrim Festivities
Sal honors specific Catholic saints on various days of the year with grim festivals. They are primarily religious festivities but people also partake in activities during the festivals. The most outstanding are the da Santa Cruz, Santo Antonio, Santa Ana and Nossa Senhora da Pie The mass is celebrated during the day and it is followed by a proc to the main spots. There are also, tents with food and beverages, dancing and games.
Festival da Praia de Santa Maria Festival of Santa Maria
The music festival in Santa Maria on September 15b is the highest point on the different festivities for the municipality of Sal. In the last several years it has become a festival of international interest which for two days and nights has a cheerful and friendly atmosphere with animated parades and a music stage hosting numerous national and international musicians.
More interesting information about Sal:
FAUNA
The island shelters both diverse migratory and resident sea birds some of which are endemic and endangered such Perna longa (Himantopus himontopus), Cagarra (Cu!onectris edwardsii)), Rabo de Junco (Phoeton aethereus mesonauta). The water around Sal is rich in fauna and flora full of sharks, whales, lobsters, tuna, small oceanic fish, crustaceans, mollusks, corals, several species of seaweed and turtles.
FLORA
On the south of Sal, between Ponta Preta and Santa Maria, and along Fragata coast one can find dunes with some vegetation typical of arid zones, species which work to sustain the dunes. When there were enough rain and fresh water, vegetation grew in creek beds on Sal s western coast. In Fontona, Palha Verde and Algodoeiro authentic galleries of "Tamarix canariensis (Tarate) were found and at times reach a height of five meters. Additionally there were "Tamarix canariensis and the endemic Atlantic Phoenix (Tamarind Tree). Some exemplary of'9amarix canatiensis and of Atlantic Phoenix still exist in these creek beds. Now Aloe Vera is widely
cultivated as it adapts well to the arid climate and can be used for medicinal purposes.