The Christmas season ends a little later in Ribeira Grande than in the rest of the island of São Miguel and is marked by the tradition of Cantar às Estrelas (Singing to the Stars).
This tradition, which this year marks its 30th edition in the municipality, quickly became an emblematic celebration of Ribeira Grande, having been adopted by more municipalities of the island over the years.
The Singing to the Stars takes place on the night of February 1st to 2nd, extending until late in the morning.
What does it consist of?
The main attraction of these festivities is the parade that goes through the streets of the city, where the participants sing prayers and songs dedicated to the patron saint of Ribeira Grande, Nossa Senhora da Estrela, as a way to ask for prosperity in the coming harvests and fishing seasons.
In this night, the streets are illuminated by decorations allusive to the event and the main points that the singers visit are decorated to receive them. Between these points, the parade passes by stores and houses, receiving “calzins” (glasses of various alcoholic beverages) from the owners in exchange for a song of their choice.
30th Edition of the Cantar às Estrelas Parade
Although it is common for the parade to end at the Church of Nossa Senhora da Estrela, this year it will end at the Church of Senhor dos Passos, since this is where the image of Nossa Senhora da Igreja is currently located. Before that, however, the parade will run along Rua Direita and Largo Hintze Ribeiro.
This year’s Singing to the Stars will bring together 35 groups, resulting in more than 2,000 people participating in the parade, thus registering the largest number of groups and participants ever in this tradition.
