Come along! Come and visit the Azores with us through stamps!
Come and enjoy our natural, historical and cultural beauty, as well as our popular festivals.
Maré de Agosto (August Tide)
Formosa Beach, Vila do Porto, Santa Maria Island
This festival began in 1984 when a group of Azorean artists decided to organise a gathering of musicians on Santa Maria Island. The idea soon bore fruit and the initiative proved so popular that everyone involved decided there and then to make it a regular event.
The first editions were held at various sites around the island, but the festival’s growing popularity meant a permanent venue was chosen in 1986, the year Maré de Agosto also began welcoming artists from further afield. From then on, the festival was held in the bay at Formosa Beach, just a few steps from the sea, a magical setting for the many who venture there.
Cavalhadas de São Pedro (St Peter’s Cavalcades)
Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island
The St Peter’s Cavalcades tradition dates back to 1563, when the Pico do Sapateiro volcano (now Pico Queimado) erupted and buried the parish of Ribeira Seca, a tragedy recorded by the historian Gaspar Frutuoso. Inexplicably, St Peter’s church and the image of its patron saint remained undamaged by the catastrophic event.
As a way of thanking St Peter, the people of Ribeira Grande organised a procession of horsemen, accompanied by stewards of the Divine Holy Spirit.
The St Peter’s Cavalcades are one of the highlights of the Ribeira Grande Festivities and the procession, which seems inspired by medieval tournaments, brings together knights, lancers, buglers and a king, who make their way through the city centre in full costume, parading up to St Peter’s church to the sound of bugles.
Sanjoaninas (Festival of St John)
Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island
These festivities in honour of St John date back to the sixteenth century and are said to have enjoyed the patronage of King João II, who ordered devotion to the saint, decreeing that popular festivities be held to commemorate the victory of the Knights Hospitaller over the Turks in 1508.
The Sanjoaninas is one of the biggest religious and secular festivals in the Azores. It always has a theme – this year’s marks the 50th anniversary of the Revolution of 25 April 1974 – and features some rich traditional folklore, including the St John’s marches, the royal entourage parade, the sound of the philharmonic bands, the crowning of the Holy Spirit, an array of culinary dishes and, of course, the traditional bullfights. The events take place in June and are a real draw for the many tourists who come to Terceira in order to experience and share in local customs and traditions.
