Sucupira Market

Sucupira spreads over several blocks below the Praia plateau and is the largest market in the country, selling almost everything: clothing brought in by traders, mostly women, who fly to Portugal, Brazil and China and bring goods back in suitcases, alongside produce, fish, household goods, electronics and grogue. The rabidantes who run that import trade are a recognised institution in Cape Verdean commerce. It is loud, crowded and entirely local.

What you actually see

• The rabidantes - the trader women whose suitcase importing supplies the market.
• The produce section - fruit, vegetables and fish from across the islands.
• The clothing blocks - the imported goods that make up most of the trade.
• The scale - the largest market in the country, spread over several blocks.

When to go

November to June is the dry season. Mornings are busiest and best stocked. It winds down in the afternoon and closes on Sundays.

Honest expectations

It is very crowded and pickpocketing happens; valuables should be left behind. Photography draws unwanted attention and asking first matters. There is little shade and it gets very hot.

Nearby

Praia Plateau is above, and Cidade Velha is west.