The practice of the Romeiros de São Miguel stands out as a phenomenon of great ethnographic importance due to the originality of the elements used, as well as the persistence that this tradition has had in maintaining itself over the centuries.
It is believed that this tradition arose during a crisis of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that occurred throughout the island in the 16th century, as a response by the population to calm the fury of these natural disasters.
Over the years, the parishes of the various parishes began to organize pilgrimages, which consist of 8-day faith walks around the island.
During these walks, the groups of pilgrims, made up of around 30 to 200 members in each parish, stop at the various churches and hermitages, venerating the Virgin Mary and the Blessed Sacrament. During these walks, these groups visit more than 100 religious temples. Sometimes, emigrated Azoreans return to take part in this tradition.
The pilgrims usually spend the night in the parish halls of churches or in the homes of people who generously offer to host them. Some of their relatives have the opportunity, at these stops, to visit and hand over more food and clothing to continue their journey.
In addition, some people from the parishes offer their dinners and lunches to the pilgrims.
Also, during their journey, the pilgrims pray the rosary and chant various prayers such as the hymn of Our Lady (Hail Mary). Typically, it’s easy to tell if you’re close to a group by the songs that are heard.
Each pilgrim wears a typical costume and is covered in elements such as: a shawl around their shoulders, a scarf around their neck, a bag on their back, a rosary and a very characteristic staff in their hand.
When marching, the group adopts a formation with three wings, the wings on the sides of which are made up of the pilgrims, at the head of each wing a guide and in the middle wing the mestre, the contramestre, the lembrador das almas, the procurador das almas and the cruzado.
This tradition takes place from the beginning to the end of Lent, which in 2025 is between March 8th and April 17th.
