Festivals and cultural events Angra Do Heroísmo

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.

The Mardi Gras festivities, the danças de Entrudo, are one of the island's major festivities. For four days, locals take to the streets or attend popular theatrical performances. Processions, music, dances, costumes and satirical stories plunge the city into a unique festive atmosphere. According to chronicles, the first popular theater event dates back to 1622, when the Jesuits commemorated the canonization of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier in Angra.

Since 1999, the capital of Terceira has been living to the rhythm of jazz concerts for three days, much to the delight of locals and tourists alike. The Angra Jazz Festival, organized every year at the beginning of October by an association with the support of the town council, among others, is held in an old arena transformed into a cultural center. Designed for the general public, the event not only brings together some of the biggest names in jazz for concerts, but also organizes related activities such as workshops, conferences, exhibitions and even cinema. A must for fans of the genre!