The Azoreans are very festive people and full of traditions. Every four Thursdays before Carnival day – which this year takes place on February 25th – are days of celebration dedicated to friendship.
This tradition of the Azores archipelago of marking days to celebrate friendship has been on the agendas of friends of the Azores for about 100 years. It all began due to the celebrations of the festivities of the Divine Holy Spirit. As a rule, on Thursdays, Azoreans would gather at night to choose cereals to use in the festivities of the Holy Spirit, but they also took the opportunity to celebrate good times with friends.
Nowadays, the tradition is still standing. It all begins with the day of friends, the saying whose “day of men”. Friends get together for great dinners and great conversations accompanied by good wines and beers where animation is more than guaranteed.
Next Thursday, the women take up the agenda and take revenge on the men, this time those who stay at home.
The other two Thursdays give way to compadres day and comadres day. These are already more relaxed and family days, but they also enhance companionship and friendship.
If you are in the Azores at this time of year, join your friends or family and celebrate friendship. Schedule dinners and then pass by the bars, you will find full houses and a unique atmosphere.
This year’s Friends’ Day takes place on January 30th, Friends’ Day on February 6th, Compadres’ Day on February 13th and Comadres’ Day on February 20th.
For more information, consult your best travel companion – the tour guide Azores Natureza Viva.