Hundreds of native creoles known as Forros were massacred on São Tomé Island by the colonial administration and Portuguese landowners.

Creole peoples may refer to various ethnic groups around the world. The term's meaning exhibits regional variations, often sparking debate.

The Batepá massacre occurred on 3 February 1953 in colonial São Tomé when hundreds of native creoles known as forros were massacred by the colonial administration and Portuguese landowners. Many forros believed the government intended to force them to work as contract laborers, to which they objected. In response, the governor blamed the unrest on communists and ordered the military to round up such individuals and for civilians to protect themselves. This quickly turned into a bloodbath, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of forros. No communist conspiracy was ever proven.

São Tomé Island, at 854 km² (330 sq mi), is the largest island of São Tomé and Príncipe and is home in May 2018 to about 193,380 or 96% of the nation's population. The island is divided into six districts. It is located 2 km north of the equator.