Many of the artists have already checked in to their respective hotels, including Paulino Vieira, Tito Paris and Cabo Verde Show. Headliner Margareth Menezes, from Brazil, will arrive on Saturday, the same day she is scheduled to perform.

In order to ensure the safety and well-being of festival goers and artists alike, the local fire department, Red Cross and National Police will be on hand at the festival grounds. Fire department substitute commander Jorge Leite says that between today and Sunday, five fire fighters will be on duty during every eight-hour shift, and an eight-ton fire engine will be on hand for any emergencies.

The National Police will place 14 officers on the festival grounds, as well as 75 military police and 17 officers from the Praia Corps of Intervention special forces. Police squadrons in the city of Mindelo will function normally.

But in the view of São Vicente mayor Isaura Gomes, security forces and officers are not the only ones who should strive to assure the safety of the population - citizens themselves, says the mayor, will have to behave so as to avoid thefts and acts of violence as well.

"Everyone should shut and lock their doors well before heading to Baía das Gatas, and people should not leave their valuables in plain view. And to avoid arguments and fights, don't drink in excess. Just listen to good music and dance. That way, no one will have anything to be sorry for at the end of the festival," exhorted Isaura Gomes.