Festivities and cultural activities of Faial Island

Faial Island and its culture are extremely marked by the influence of the sea and marine life. From its festivities to its handicrafts, it is possible to verify this impact that sea life has had on its traditions.

Semana do Mar

The Semana do Mar is a huge festival that typically takes place in August and offers the most varied activities, such as musical concerts, gastronomy fairs, handicraft fairs, several sports, nautical and other competitions, such as chess, among other diverse programs.

Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw is a craft manifestation consisting of the carving or painting on sperm whale ivory. Typically these were made by sailors as an expression of nostalgia for their families and homes. An emblematic activity of Faial Island, Scrimshaw exposes again the intimate connection of the culture and traditions of this island with the fishing activity, having the whaling industry once been an important pillar of the economy.

Fig Tree Kernel Sculptures

These are impressive and fascinating sculptures made from a white spongy mass of fig tree kernels. These famous sculptures are characteristic of Faial Island, producing extraordinary scenes and figures with minute details, depicting the most varied themes related to Faial traditions. The Miolo de Figueira Collection can be visited at the Horta Museum, which is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. A normal entrance ticket costs 2.00€ and a ticket for young people between 15 and 25 and retired people costs only 1.00€.

Nossa Senhora das Angústias Festivities

When it comes to religious manifestations, Nossa Senhora das Angústias Festivities can be classified as one of the biggest on the island, with its streets filled with processions and popular festivities in celebration of a tradition that has been going on since the beginning of its settlement. The Nossa Senhora das Angústias Festivities typically kicks off the summer festival season on the island of Faial.

São João Festivities

Originating from the settlers who came from Terceira Island, this festival is characterized by pilgrimages, philharmonic bands, which gather at the Largo Jaime Melo. Here is located the chapel of São João. During these festivities several taverns are established where you can experience the various flavors of local cuisine.

Espírito Santo Festivities

In some parishes, these festivities begin at Pentecost, 50 days after Easter Sunday, and end in August. The Espírito Santo Festivities of Faial are, however, identical to what is practiced in the other islands of the archipelago except for its celebration date, and are characterized by processions and various celebrations of religious nature.

Pézinho and Chamarrita

The dances of “Pézinho” and “Chamarrita” are typical from Faial Island accompanied by the sound of the wire guitar. These dances are distinguished by their spontaneity, expressiveness and creativity, having an incredible coordination between music and choreography.

Gastronomy

As for gastronomy, the island of Faial stands out for its many typical dishes characterized by the importance of seafood, with an abundance of fish broths and stews, its famous octopus stew with wine, among others. Faial is also known for its “fofas”, an aromatic fennel seed pastry, typically filled with a lemon or vanilla cream. These are traditionally made at Carnival time.