Holy Ghost Festivals

or Espírito Santo Festivals, are very important to the Azorean people. The festivals are rooted in medieval traditions and typically held on all the islands from May to September, including lively parades and large feasts. As part of the tradition, soup and bread are handed out to revelers during these events. On Terceira and other islands, decorative houses called Imperios are the staging points for the feeding of the masses.

The Festival of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres (Lord Holy Christ of Miracles)

Usually held in May (on the 5th Sunday after Easter) in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel, it's he largest religious event in the Azores. Pilgrims from all over the world unite to parade behind the image of Christ on a three-hour procession along the flower decorated streets of the city.

The Sanjoaninas Festivities in Angra do Heroísmo

Held in June in Terceira, honoring S. Antonio, S. Pedro and St. João, in a large religious celebration.

Bullfights

The traditional bullfights in the bullring are ongoing, as is the running of bulls in the streets.

Nossa Senhora de Lourdes

The festival of Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, (Our Lady of Lourdes), patron saint to the Whalers, begins in Lajes on Pico on the last Sunday the August and runs through the week - Whalers Week. It is marked by social and cultural events connected to the tradition of whale hunting.

Festa das Vindimas

The Festa das Vindimas, (Wine Harvest Festival), takes place during the first week of September and is a century old custom ways by the people of Pico.

Nossa Senhora dos Milagres

In Corvo the people celebrate their patron saints Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, ( Our Lady of Miracles), on August 15th every year in addition to the festivals of the Divine Holy Spirit.

Sea Festivals

The Festival da Maré de Agosto (August Sea Festival), takes place every year beginning on the 15th of August in Praia Formosa on Santa Maria. And, the Semana do Mar (Sea Week), dedicated almost exclusively to water sports, takes place in August in the city of Horta, on Faial.

Mardi Gras 

In the Azores, Mardi Gras is known as “Carnaval”, a four-day celebration starting in February. Parades and pageants are heart of the Carnaval festivities. There is lively music, colorful costumes, hand-made masks, and floats.