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The island of FOGO west of Santiago, is almost round in shape, and looks as if it is just a volcanic mountain. The surface area is 476 Km2 and, although only the fourth biggest island of the Archipelago, it is the highest with the top of the volcano reaching a height of 2829 m. The volcano is in fact the main tourist attraction of the island. The volcanic cone rises from a sort of plateau about 8 km in diameter, called CHÃ DAS CALDEIRAS the walls on the western side reach almost 1000 m and end in a crater 500 meters in diameter and 180 meters deep. This is truly the most spectacular scenery in the whole of the Archipelago. The original volcanic cone must, at one time, have reached a height of 3500 m.

The volcano was active right up to the XVIII century, when the main cone ceased activity and all that remained as testimony to it were the volcanic vapors and deposits of sulphur. There have been sporadic eruptions and the last severe one was in 1951, when the lava poured out of one of the two chimneys on the southern side of the volcano.

History
FOGO was discovered at the same time as SANTIAGO and MAIO, on May 1st, 1460. At first it was called S.FILIPE but later, and quite appropriately its name was changed to FOGO (Fire). The habitants of Fogo are the only ones to have known only three flags. During Portuguese occupation by Spain between 1530 and 1580, the Spanish flag was raised throughout all Portuguese territories except Fogo. This was due to resistance of the habitants of Fogo.

Fogo is where colonial influence of the Portuguese is most apparent. It is a fact that there are two cemeteries in Sao Filipe. One for the rich and white people and another for the poor and black people. The discrimination was so strong that in the 18th century, drunk, rich, white man that was “involved” with a slave was not buried in the white or black cemetery. He was buried on the outside of the white cemetery with his testimony and mausoleum.

Often seen in this island is FUNCO - a primitive, rustic habitation and constructed with rocks forming a circular structure. They are covered by large dried leaves. Fonte Aleixo is a neighborhood which predominantly has these types of homes. FUNCO symbolizes the most poor in contrast to the “sobrados” (large colonial style homes) normally owned by the wealthy.

Other notable aspects of Fogo includes the acclaimed musician Minó di Mama. An excellent accordion player, Minó has a unique form and style that he plays. He has the form of Portuguese musicians and is certainly famous all around Cabo Verde. Over 80 years old, (circa 2005) Minó still commends a youthful spirit that can even make rocks dance as they usually say in Fogo.

Often seen is a bird called Gongon. A black bird that produces a sound similar to sounds of crows, Gongon lives in rocks and flies at night searching for food. The fat and meat of Gongon has a medicinal function that is often used to cure rheumatoid. However, this bird is nearly extinct.

It is important to mention Caetano Dos Santos De Pina also known as "Fatinho - the children factory.” At 37 years he had fathered 34 children with 5 women. He resided in Chã das Caldeiras at the foot of the volcano, in a rural zone without many options for passing time. If he continues averaging one child per year, he may enter the book of records. On the other hand is Nha Arminda Lopes Monteiro who at 113 (circa 2005) is the oldest and most known person of the island. Entering the year 2000, she holds the record to have lived in three different centuries.

Famous for holding records, Fogo also holds another record in the construction of Volta-Volta road. Formed by a sequence of three valleys, that separate Mosteiros and Sao Filipe, the first construction attempt was made in the 80’s by constructing an iron bridge and tunnel at a cost of $1,250.00 dollars per meter.

Travel Guide and articles of interest. Must be V.I.P. Member and logged in to access:

Visiting the Island of Fogo...
On the high part of the island, the Miradouro da Aguadinha offers the tourist a gratifying view. From there we can admire some beaches with black and white sand and far-off... [ Read More ]

Fogo: magnetic nature of the island
volcanic activity besides other factors, such as erosion and the man work, continues to shape the aspect of the island, specially its eastern side and in Chan das Caldeiras... [ Read More ]

S. Filipe, Fogo - Sobrados di Bila
Teixeira de Sousa known as a doctor, essayist and novelist described this fascinating sightseeing: “from the top of “Aguadinha”, apart from the rough channel, one can see the cascade of rowing houses as if they pay us homage and implore, at the same time, our attention to the peculiarity of the buildings, squares, streets and lanes which constitute the urbanity network of St. Filipe... [ Read More ]