FESTAS / FESTIVITIES:

Festas do Divino Espírito Santo - Feast of the Holly Spirit - in Pico have a regional twist. The tradition, started by the first settlers, was deeply rooted in the population since the aide of the Holy Ghost (Holly Spirit) was requested in prayers to hold back the streams of lava that devastated houses and crops.

The "Espírito Santo" festivals retain the charm of former times in Pico.The curious ceremony of the "emperors" carrying the crown and sceptre in procession, and the "function" that marks the feast day itself, are repeated in every parish on the island from Whitsun. The processions, with such delicacies as rosquilhas, bolos de vespera and pao doce which at the end of the festivities are distributed among all those present and passers-by, maintain all the color of times gone by. The "empires", which are simple constructions having the white dove of the Holy Ghost at the top of the roof, are present all over the island and are an interesting example of folk architecture.

All nine islands celebrate this festival, though there are differences from island to island, and even between nearby villages. Parishes on each island have chapels called "impérios" run by various brotherhoods. These festivals are considered some of the most characteristic of island culture. From May to September, with special emphasis on the seventh Sunday after Easter - held on May 15th.

Besides the Holy Ghost Festivals that are celebrated on all the islands, the people of Pico dedicate special attention to the "Good Lord" festival, to their devotion for the Festas do Bom Jesus Milagroso - Festivals of Jesus the Good and Miraculous. The festivities take place at São Mateus just before or after August 6th, and are based on the veneration of the pilgrims for a figure from Brazil that is exhibited in the Bom Jesus Milagroso  Sanctuary.

This is a religious feast of great importance, especially in the central group of the archipelago. It is held in São Mateus on Pico. For three days, thousands of people from all over the islands and elsewhere come to venerate the image of Jesus.

Festa de Santa Maria Madalena - Feast of Saint Maria Magdalena - in the town Madalena is held on July 22nd. This is another Pico traditional festival with a varied program including a procession and other liturgical ceremonies, festivities with music, dancing and illuminations.

This festival dedicated to the patron saint of the municipality, includes religious, sporting and cultural activities during the month of July.

Cais de Agosto - Augusto Pier - in São Roque, the event combines musical shows with displays of handicrafts and sporting events, music groups visit from the mainland. Daytime events include sports, craft exhibitions and cultural activities. Cais de Augusto is held from the last weekend of July.

Semana dos Baleeiros - Festivals of the Whaling Men - in Lajes brings together the homage paid to those who participated in this important event of the history of the Azores and an eclectic programme that takes place at the end of the summer.

Festivals of the Whaling Men - Lajes do Pico This Pico festival dates back to 1883 with the arrival of an image of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The whaling men gradually took part in the festival over the years with gave way nowadays to a splendid religious procession, followed by evening festivities with music and dancing. This feast is held in the last week of August.

The regattas, on wood boats made for six rowers, are often present in the various festivities that take place on the island and are created competitions between crews from all over the island and the other islands of the triangle.

Festas da Vindima - the Grape-picking Festival - offers the town Madalena, with dances and ethnographic events centred on wine production when the vines are filled with the harvest festival. Grape Harvest Festival is held in the second week in September.