Volta Soncent Trail Celebrates National Independence with 115km Island Trek
The 4th edition of the Volta Soncent Trail, an annual event celebrating São Vicente, is set to honor Cabo Verde's National Independence. This year's trek will conclude on July 5th, the national holiday. The event combines adventure, resilience, unity, and the promotion of the island's natural heritage, reflecting a sense of "Cabo Verdean Pride" during a year of unique global celebration of the nation's identity. Eight participants, aged 16 to 58, will traverse 115 kilometers across 33 of the island's most iconic trails over three days. The journey is designed to test physical endurance, foster teamwork, and immerse participants in nature. The trek is divided into three stages, each averaging 12 hours of walking daily, with overnight stays planned in São Pedro and Calhau. The first stage on Friday, July 3rd, starts in Mindelo and heads to São Pedro, passing through the Monte Cara mountain range and ending at the Dona Amélia Lighthouse. On Saturday, the 39.5-kilometer second stage covers the southern base of the island from São Pedro to Calhau, exploring wild landscapes including the deserted village of Calheta, the Madeiral agricultural area, and the Viana Volcano. The final 41.5-kilometer stage on Sunday leads from Calhau back to Mindelo, passing historical sites like Mato Inglês, the ancient trail of Monte Verde (the island's highest point), and the Baía das Gatas music festival venue. The symbolic finish line is Laginha beach. The Volta Soncent Trail is an initiative of Caminhada d'Vav, an organization that has promoted ecological hikes on São Vicente for over two decades. Beyond the sporting challenge, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the island's old trails, many created by shepherds and farmers, which are currently threatened by neglect and erosion.
This event highlights the intersection of cultural celebration, physical endurance, and environmental advocacy. By linking a challenging trek to National Independence Day, organizers leverage a significant national milestone to amplify participation and national pride. The initiative's focus on preserving historical trails, many of which are threatened by erosion and abandonment, underscores a growing global awareness of the need to protect natural and cultural heritage. The multi-generational participation suggests a broad appeal and a potential for intergenerational knowledge transfer regarding the island's history and environment. Future iterations could explore partnerships with educational institutions or conservation groups to further enhance the impact on trail preservation and sustainable tourism, ensuring these routes remain viable for both cultural and ecological purposes in the long term, especially as climate change impacts landscapes.
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