One of the most important festivals is that of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (literally Lord Holy Christ of Miracles) to whom intense devotion was given during the 17th century when the island was racked with frequent earthquakes and tremors, and whose celebration has strengthened through the centuries. The monastery and nearby ‘Square of 5th of October’ are illuminated and the street decorated with flowers and at the end of the week, on the fifth Sunday after Easter, a large procession passes round the town with the crown of golden thorns at the front. Behind come men in religious clothes, some barefoot, some carrying large, very heavy candles to declare their thanks for a blessing received during a period of affliction. These are followed by youth organisations with their brightly coloured banners, children, some dressed as angels, priests, then the figure of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres carried under a dossel of velvet and gold decorated with 18th-century woven flowers.
A much less conspicuous celebration, but one that perhaps makes a greater impression upon the visitor by its gravity and simplicity, is that of the Lenten pilgrims. During the seven weeks of Lent, groups of men led by a ‘master’ walk right round the island and pray at the churches and chapels dedicated to Our Lady. As they walk they say the Ave Maria; you can ask them to say one for you, but in return you must say as many yourself as there are men walking in the group.
In May is the festival of São Miguel Arcanjo which has been celebrated for more than 400 years. Its secular content involves a procession of different professional groups — fishermen, potters, shoemakers, barbers and farmers, etc. The Festival of São João on 24 June is also Vila Franca’s municipal holiday; celebrations continue for a week with marching bands, dances, bonfires and barbecues.
Cantar ás Estrelas (Ribeira Grande) – beginning of February
Festa de São José (Ponta Delgada) procession – third week in March
Páscoa – April
Festa Sr dos Enfermos (Furnas) the streets are covered with azaleas and other flowers for the procession – end of April
Festa de São Pedro Gonsalves – Festa do Irró (Vila Franca); the fishermen process down to the harbour – end of April
Festa do Sr Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Ponta Delgada) – last week in May
Festa da Flor (Ribeira Grande) flower festival – May
Festas do Espírito Santo – May to September, intermittent
Festas de São João da Vila (Vila Franca) with popular singing groups and food stalls, dancing, bonfires and barbecues middle of June
Império da Trindade (Ponta Delgada) ending of the Holy Ghost Festival – third week in June
Festa do Corpo de Deus (Povoacão) – last week in June
Cavalhadas de São Pedro (Ribeira Grande) horsemen pay tribute to St Peter in traditional song asking protection for the island’s governor – last week in June
Semana do Chicharro (Ribeira Quente) fishing festival – middle of July
Festa de N Sra de Lurdes (Capelas) – end of July
Festa de Santana (Furnas) – end of July
Festa de São Nicolau (Sete Cidades) – middle of August
Festa de N Sra dos Anjos (Agua de Pau/Fajã de Baixo) – middle of August
Festa de N Sra Conceicão (Mosteiros) Semana da Cultura (Povoacão) handicrafts and other activities – last week in August
Festa do Born Jesus da Pedra (Vila Franca) one of the oldest religious festivals attracting many emigrants from around the world – last week in August
Festival de Bandas (Povoacão) road show – first week in October
Dia das Montras (Ponta Delgada) shop windows are dressed for Christmas and prizes awarded for the best – second week in December
