Velas is making quite a local name for itself with the Semana Cultural or week-long cultural festival held in early July in São Jorge island to coincide with the annual Horta—Velas—Horta yacht race, when numerous events are staged including cultural conferences and exhibitions as well as more usual pop, rock and folk music and bullfights. There is another in April. Also in July, in Calheta, is the biennial festival with processions, cultural and sports events. The dates of many festivals vary each year, so please check with the tourist information office. There is also some criticism of the way these festivals have developed, with too much imported rock music to the detriment of traditional Azorean culture.
Festa de São Jorge (Velas) – week around 23rd April
Espírito Santo – June
Semana Cultural (Velas) – first week in July
Festival de Julho (Calheta) – third week in July
Festa de São Tiago (Ribeira Seca and Calheta) – fourth week in July
Festa do Sant’Ana (Velas) – last week in July
Festa de N Sra Rosário (Velas and Norte Pequeno) – middle of August
Festa da Caldeira do Sr Santo Cristo (Calheta) – first week in September
Festa de N Sra Rosário (Topo) – second week in September
Festa de N Sra das Dores (Velas) – second/third week in September
Festa de N Sra das Neves (Velas) – third week in September
Festa de Santa Catarina (Calheta) – last week in November
