The practice of the Romeiros de São Miguel is a phenomenon of great ethnographic importance due to the originality of the elements used, as well as the persistence of this tradition 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. It is sometimes common for emigrated Azoreans to return to São Miguel and join this tradition.
The pilgrims usually spend the night in the parish halls of the churches or in the homes of people who generously make themselves available 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 dinner and lunch 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 3 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, and in 2024 it began on February 17.
