July 5 is celebrated Independence Day of the Republic of Cape Verde. This small country, located on the picturesque islands of Cape Verde, was under the brutal rule of Portugal for more than 500 years. And it was officially recognized as independent only in 1975.

The Portuguese first landed on the islands of the archipelago off the coast of Africa in 1446, immediately turning these lands into a slave outpost. Colonizers mercilessly used the local population on cotton plantations.

Until 1951, the country did not even have the official status of overseas territories and continued to remain a Portuguese colony.

After Cape Verde joined the United Liberation Front in 1961, armed uprisings against the Portuguese authorities began in the country. And only in 1975 it received the status of an independent state.

• Annually on Independence Day of the country residents Cape Verde there is a tradition of organizing a grand gala concert. During 12 months, they choose citizens who have made a significant contribution to the development of various spheres of life of the republic and the world, and solemnly award them.