Origin
The tradition of the Cavalhadas de São Pedro (Saint Peter’s Cavalcades) arose around 1563, after the eruption of the Pico do Sapateiro volcano (currently called Pico Queimado). This eruption, although initially characterized by moderate explosivity, presented lava flows that buried a large part of the parish of Ribeira Seca. However, the São Pedro church and the image of the patron saint escaped unharmed and, consequently, the population decided to create this tradition as a way to thank the saint.
Cavalhadas (Cavalcades)
The cavalcades go through the streets of the city of Ribeira Grande, stopping in certain places where speeches are made by the King and verses are read by the lancers.
Along this route, the marches take on a specific formation, in which the horsemen, with their different roles, perform different functions. In this group of men dressed in white clothes decorated with various flowers and black hats, also ornate, we can highlight the King or “Maioral” (standing out for the white beard he wears), his 2 lancers and, among the remaining dozens of riders, there are 3 buglers. At the end of this formation, there are 2 other lancers.
The cavalcades begin at Solar de Mafoma, where the riders are evaluated on factors such as posture, ornamentation of their costumes, among others.
From here they leave for the church of São Pedro, where they will do 7 laps around it (7 gifts of the Holy Spirit) and then the King will give a speech in front of it. Following the route, the march will head to the City Hall of Ribeira Grande where it will do 3 laps around the Municipal Garden, in reference to the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
Then, the march will walk through the streets of the city, eventually returning to the Manor of Mafoma.
