The Centro Nacional de Arte, Artesanato e Design (CNAD) in Cabo Verde has announced the opening of inscriptions for the 11th edition of the URDI - Feira do Artesanato e Design de Cabo Verde. The event will take place from November 25 to 29, 2026, in the city of Mindelo. This year's theme is "50 Anos de Memória, Criação e Resistência" (50 Years of Memory, Creation, and Resistance). The inscriptions are open until October 27, 2026.
The URDI fair aims to promote and preserve traditional crafts as a cultural value and an economic activity driver. The event also seeks to establish contacts with the public. The fair is open to the public, and participation is free, but only artisans who have completed their Professional Recognition and gastronomy artisans with a health card issued by competent authorities can participate. The CNAD will select exhibitors based on genuineness, quality, and diversity criteria.
The CNAD will be responsible for selecting exhibitors and allocating stands. For individual inscriptions, stands will be shared between two exhibitors. The organization will not provide any materials, such as tables, shelves, chairs, or display cases, except those previously installed during the stand setup. Artisans and designers with stands at the fair are invited to participate in a contest by presenting a piece of their work that reflects a new collective dynamic.
The contest, named after Master Artisan Djoy Soares, aims to promote a collective and shared idea in the craft sector. The pieces will be evaluated based on aesthetic quality, authenticity, design, and innovation. Two prizes will be awarded: one selected by the public through a Facebook vote and another by the CNAD technical team. Each category will receive a symbolic prize and a monetary prize.
The CNAD, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Creative Industries, Youth, and Sports, organizes the URDI fair. The event provides a platform for artisans and designers to showcase their work and contribute to the development of the craft sector in Cabo Verde. The fair's objective is to promote Cabo Verde's cultural heritage and stimulate economic growth.
The 11th edition of URDI is expected to attract a large audience and provide an opportunity for artisans and designers to network and exchange ideas. The CNAD encourages artisans and designers to participate and take advantage of this platform to showcase their work. The organization will provide more information and support to participants throughout the process.
The URDI fair has become an essential event in Cabo Verde's cultural calendar, promoting the country's rich cultural heritage and creative industries. The 11th edition is expected to be a success, with many artisans and designers already showing interest in participating. The CNAD will announce more details and updates on the event's Facebook page and website.
Key points
- The 11th edition of URDI will take place from November 25 to 29, 2026, in Mindelo, Cabo Verde.
- The CNAD will select exhibitors based on genuineness, quality, and diversity criteria.
- Two prizes will be awarded in a contest named after Master Artisan Djoy Soares.
