Azoreans are a very festive people, full of traditions. All four Thursdays leading up to Carnival Day – which this year takes place on February 21 – are days of celebration dedicated to friendship.
This Azorean Archipelago tradition of marking days to celebrate friendship has occupied the agendas of Azorean friends for about 100 years. It all started because of the celebrations of the Holy Ghost festivities. Normally, on Thursdays, Azoreans would gather at night to choose cereals to use in the Holy Ghost festivities, but they would also take the opportunity to celebrate good times with friends.
Nowadays, the tradition still stands. It all starts with the friends’ day, the so-called “men’s day”. Friends get together for great dinners and great conversations accompanied by good wines and beers where entertainment is more than guaranteed.
Right after that, on the next Thursday, the women take over the agenda and take revenge on the men, and this time the men stay at home.
The other two Thursdays give way to the day of the compadres and the day of the comadres. These are more relaxed and family oriented days, but they also praise companionship and friendship.
If you’re in the Azores at this time of year, get together with your friends or family and celebrate friendship. Book dinners and then go to the bars, you’ll find full houses and a unique atmosphere.
(Male) Friends’ Day this year is on January 26, (Female) Friends’ Day on February 2, compadres’ on February 9, and comadres’ on February 16.
For more information, check out your best travel companion – the Azores Natureza Viva tourist guide.