Best Festivals and Events in São Miguel, Azores - Local Celebrations You Can’t Miss!
- Aina & Dani
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
São Miguel is not just about breathtaking nature — it’s also an island rich in history, traditions, and lively celebrations that are deeply woven into local life. Traveling during one of these festivals is the perfect opportunity to experience São Miguel like a local, share moments with its people, and gain a deeper understanding of its culture.
In this article, we highlight 10 major festivals in São Miguel that reveal the most authentic side of the island. So, if your trip to São Miguel coincides with any of these events, don’t hesitate to join in and immerse yourself in local culture.
Let’s dive into this selection of must-see events in São Miguel!
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Festivals and Events in São Miguel – Content:
(!) Essential Tip Before You Go: Keep in mind that festivals and events in São Miguel are usually annual, but exact dates, schedules, and activities may vary. We recommend checking the Azores’ full event calendar before your trip to make sure you don’t miss anything and have the latest updates.
1. Batalha das Limas (Carnival Battle) – February
The Batalha das Limas is probably the most playful and carefree event of the year. During Carnival in Ponta Delgada, this centuries-old tradition comes alive. Originally, locals would throw “limas” (a fruit similar to lemons) in the streets, but today they’ve been replaced with water balloons and plastic bags filled with water. On this day, the town turns into a giant water fight, with people riding in decorated trucks armed with buckets, balloons, and water guns. If you don’t mind getting soaked, don’t miss São Miguel’s Carnival fun!
2. Romeiros Pilgrimage – Lent (March–April)
The Romeiros is a spiritual tradition. During Lent, groups of men called ranchos walk around the entire island for a week, visiting chapels and praying along the way. Dressed in capes, with rosaries and walking sticks, they cover about 300 km on foot. Impressive, right? Even though it’s a religious event, many locals warmly welcome and feed the romeiros. As a traveler, you’re welcome to witness this intimate act of faith. It’s especially moving to see them crossing villages singing their prayers at dawn.
3. São Miguel Archangel Procession – May
In Vila Franca do Campo, May is dedicated to the island’s patron saint: São Miguel Archangel. During this procession, locals carry the image of the archangel through the town’s streets, accompanied by music, prayers, and a touching yet simple atmosphere. It’s one of those lesser-known celebrations that truly show the island’s soul and the care families put into keeping traditions alive.
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4. Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres – May
Without a doubt, this is São Miguel’s most important festival. Held in Ponta Delgada on the fifth Sunday after Easter, it draws thousands of pilgrims, not only from other islands but also from emigrant communities in America and Canada. For a full week, the city bursts with processions, concerts, markets, fireworks, and celebrations — though the most remarkable moment is the stunning Senhor Santo Cristo procession.
5. São João Festival – June 23–24
São João night in São Miguel is one of the island’s best parties, with music, dancing, and parades. While jumping over bonfires (common elsewhere in Portugal) isn’t typical here, the festival has its own charm. Streets are beautifully decorated, and you’ll find contests and activities in the main squares and avenues. Throughout the week, various towns hold their own celebrations — like Vila Franca do Campo, which has colorful parades on June 24, or Ribeira Grande, which hosts the famous Cavalhadas de São Pedro on June 29 (see the next section).
6. Cavalhadas de São Pedro – June 29
Continuing the São João spirit in Ribeira Grande, the Cavalhadas de São Pedro mark the grand finale of June’s festivities. On this day, riders dressed in traditional costumes parade on horseback through the city in a tribute that honors old customs and gives thanks for good harvests under São Pedro’s protection. Streets fill with color, music, and dancing, making this one of the island’s most cherished events for both locals and visitors.
7. Festa de Santo António – First Sunday in July
In the parish of Santo António, Ponta Delgada, locals celebrate one of their most beloved festivals: the Festa de Santo António. On the first Sunday of July, the streets come alive with residents and visitors enjoying both the religious activities — like mass and processions — and the more festive side, featuring outdoor barbecues, grilled sardines, and caldo verde (a traditional Portuguese soup). Plus, there are concerts and plenty of local food, so don’t miss it!
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8. Corpus Christi Festival – June (variable date)
The Corpus Christi Festival is celebrated the Thursday after Pentecost in several São Miguel towns, but Vila da Povoação stands out. This religious event transforms the streets into stunning floral carpets made by the locals. As the procession moves through, people walk over these flower designs. This festival also coincides with the Azores’ Regional Holiday, making it even more special for residents.
9. Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Festival – August 15
The Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Festival takes place every August 15 in various São Miguel towns, especially in Água de Pau (Lagoa municipality), where Our Lady of the Angels is the patron saint. This celebration features solemn masses and processions, along with popular festivities, music, and activities that vary each year.
10. Senhor Bom Jesus da Pedra Festival – Late August
Held in Vila Franca do Campo, where the famous sanctuary dedicated to Senhor Jesus da Pedra is located, this festival marks one of the last major summer celebrations in São Miguel. Beyond the traditional procession, you’ll find concerts, fireworks, and lively community activities. It’s seen as a festive farewell to the summer season, making it a joyful event to join if you’re wrapping up your summer vacation on the island.
If you have flexibility in your travel dates, try to plan your visit around one of these São Miguel festivals. It’s a unique chance to experience local culture, taste authentic food, enjoy traditional music, and, most importantly, share genuine moments with the people of São Miguel.
Resources to Plan your Trip to São Miguel:
PLAN YOUR TRIP: We love São Miguel, which is why we’ve created our website where you can find the most complete travel guide to São Miguel. Explore everything you can visit and do in São Miguel by region, the best way to plan your itinerary, and make the most of your time.
ACCOMMODATION IN SÃO MIGUEL: We recommend staying in Ponta Delgada or Ribeira Grande if you want to have access to services like supermarkets and restaurants nearby. To choose the best accommodation, don’t miss our article on where to stay in São Miguel or save money with this selection of budget accommodations in São Miguel.
TRANSPORTATION: Renting a car is the best way to explore the island of São Miguel since you’ll have the freedom to reach all the island’s points of interest. In our article on car rental in São Miguel, we cover everything you need to know about driving on the island and how to book the best vehicle. To book, we always use Discovery Cars, our favorite comparison tool with the best deals.
CLIMATE: São Miguel’s climate is subtropical oceanic, although if we had to describe it in one word, it would be: unpredictable. For us, the best months to visit the island are June or September, although each season has its pros and cons. We tell you everything in this article.
HIKING TRAILS: All the hiking trails recommended in this post are explained in detail in this article.
THE BEST ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN SÃO MIGUEL!
