Music events The Azores

One of the most important festivals in the Azores, its origins date back to the 1980s. Every year at the end of August, Santa Maria welcomes an international audience driven by a common passion: world music. The program? Relaxation during the day and concerts at night. For the occasion, the small island is transformed into a large open-air concert hall, each time welcoming several thousand spectators. The event takes place in the bay of Praia Formoso, just a few metres from the sea, in an absolutely idyllic setting.

From May to October, numerous bullfighting shows take place in the villages of Terceira. The bull runs through the streets attached to a long rope held by a group of men. An important reminder: the Portuguese - and therefore the Azoreans - do not execute the bulls at the end of a bullfight. Even if you're firmly opposed to this kind of event, don't miss it, as the popular fervor is intense throughout, and what's more, it's quite comical. If you're lucky enough to be in the Azores at this time of year, it's a must-see.

As the name suggests, this popular festival is held every year in the last week of July. For the occasion, São Roque, on the island of Pico, dons its festive garb and invites the island's inhabitants to come together for concerts, craft exhibitions, sporting events and various fairs focusing on books, gastronomy, wine... Sporting events include a canoe race, whaleboat rides, aquagym classes... The program is diverse and open to all!