The Cavalhadas de São Pedro (St. Peter’s Horse Riding) is a centuries-old tradition that takes place every year on June 29, being a cultural festival that mirrors the Ribeira Grande municipal holiday.
This tradition, besides honouring the elevation of this county to the city, emerged as a way to thank São Pedro – patron saint of the parish of Ribeira Seca – for the fact that the volcanic eruption of 1563 did not damage the church or the respective image of São Pedro. After this event, the Ribeiragrandenses took a governor to come, riding, accompanied by stewards of the Holy Spirit.
A group of men, dressed in white clothes adorned with flowers of various colours, black hats adorned with gold and red ribbons, mounted their horses and rode through the streets of Ribeira Grande.
The parade of riders opens with the King or “Maioral” with two lancers at his side. Behind this trident, dozens of riders follow, and in the middle appear 3 buglers. At the end of the march, two other lancers appear.
This tradition begins with a concentration of riders at Solar da Mafoma, where they are submitted to an evaluation by a jury who apply a municipal regulation. In this evaluation, aspects such as the use of the Portuguese saddle, the correct riding posture and the ornamentation of the rider and the horse are valued.
The riders are 7 laps – known to be the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit – around the embassy of St. Peter’s, i.e. around the church of St. Peter’s Ribeira Seca. Then, the march continues until the Town Hall of Ribeira Grande and there are 3 laps around the Municipal Garden, allusive to the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
To talk about the Cavalhadas de São Pedro is also to talk about the Lamps. They are the reproduction of a lamparium made with floral arrangements of hydrangeas and borders of St. Joseph. Besides flowers, they also include fruits of the season, such as corn, cucumber, orange, a pineapple, among others. These lamps decorate the streets and are hung by the houses of the municipality, translated into an offering to São Pedro.
