More than just a festival, Sea Week is a meeting point between generations, between islanders and visitors, and between the past and the present of a community shaped by the Atlantic. The sea, of course, remains at the heart of it all — with sailing regattas, whaleboat races, windsurfing, canoeing, open water swimming, water polo and more filling Horta Bay with colour and motion.

See the full programme here https://www.semanadomar.net/programa/en.php

A programme for every taste

Things kick off on August 1st with the iconic Faial–Pico Channel Crossing, followed by the traditional distribution of hydrangeas to yachtsmen and the much-loved Emigrants’ Gathering. That same evening, a vibrant March Parade takes over Avenida Machado Serpa, featuring colourful groups from across the Azores. Later, the main stage welcomes Mizzy Miles, followed by a traditional dance and a late-night after party with DJs until the early hours.

The weekend continues in full force, with sport fishing, street basketball, concerts by national artists such as João Pedro Pais and Plutónio, a maritime procession in honour of Our Lady of Guia, and the official opening of the Expo Açores Handicrafts Fair at Alagoa Park.

Throughout the week, there is no shortage of activities: light sailing, windsurfing championships, apnoea competitions, art workshops, book launches, traditional dance performances, brass bands, international folklore groups, and major evening concerts on the Afavias Main Stage, featuring acts like Resistência, Tony Carreira, Fernando Daniel, and Hybrid Theory.

Culture and tradition, hand in hand

Sea Week is not just about music and sports. Local culture takes the spotlight with several exhibitions and side events: this year marks the 50th anniversary of Sea Week, celebrated with a special exhibition at the Horta Museum. The Public Library also hosts the Horta Book Festival, highlighting Azorean literature. Traditional folklore, handicrafts, and family-friendly activities make the event inclusive for all ages.

And for those who like to party into the night, the after parties feature well-known DJs like DJ Zanova, Duo Sync, DropNBreak, DJ Nox, DJ Bagunça, and many more.

A grand finale

The festival comes to a close on August 10th with the traditional Channel Regatta, the thematic parade “Atlantic, a Sea of Stories“, and a special concert by the Light Orchestra of the Horta City Council, wrapping up an intense, emotional week in style.

From August 1st to 10th, all roads lead to Horta. Come with an open heart, get ready to dance, sail, taste and celebrate — because here, the sea is more than just scenery. It’s soul.

Follow the Sea Week activities on Facebook and Instagram and see the gallery some highlights from Sea Week 2024!

O conteúdo Sea Week | 1-10 August 2025 aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

From July 17 to 20, Festival Maravilha dives back into the sea with a vibrant program taking over the bays of Horta and Porto Pim, on the island of Faial, inviting the public to immerse themselves—literally and symbolically—in the island’s Atlantic culture.

The main highlight is the floating concert by Rokia Koné, taking place on Saturday (July 19) at 9:00 PM in Porto da Horta. The Malian singer performs on a stage facing the ocean, in front of a floating audience made up of boats, paddleboards, and inflatable floats. The concert is free, and those without their own vessel can book a spot on one of the boats provided by local maritime tour operators.

The lineup also includes guided snorkeling tours of the “Main” shipwreck, movement workshops in the sea with Violeta Lapa, a new mural by artist Oaktree, sculptural installations by Fulvio Capurso, live samba by Sambachico, a DJ set by Gaiteirinho, and a playful inflatable boat regatta.

More than a festival, Maravilha is a celebration of the sea as a space for gathering, creation, and memory. Full schedule below:

Festival Maravilha Program – July 17 to 20 | Porto da Horta & Porto Pim, Faial – Azores

Thursday, July 17

10:00 AM – “Ripples of Wonder” Workshop
Movement and immersion lab in the sea with Violeta Lapa (Oceans and Flow)
Porto Pim Beach (registration required)

Friday, July 18

5:00 PM – Inflatable Boat Mini-Regatta
A playful throwback to the early editions of Semana do Mar.
Porto Pim Gate (registration required)

8:00 PM – Sambachico Concert + DJ Gaiteirinho
Samba and summer rhythms on the sand, open to all.
Porto Pim Beach

Saturday, July 19

2:30 PM – Guided snorkeling at the “Main” shipwreck
Hosted with the support of the Eco-Routes project.
Porto Pim (registration required)

4:00 PM – “Ripples of Wonder” Workshop – Session II
Movement and sea immersion with Violeta Lapa.
Porto Pim Beach (registration required)

5:00 PM – Inauguration of mural by Oaktree
A visual homage to Faial’s underwater heritage.
Rotunda do Pasteleiro, Horta

9:00 PM – Floating concert with Rokia Koné (Mali)
The festival’s most anticipated event. Audience watches from their own boats or from vessels provided by the organization.
Porto da Horta (advance booking recommended if you don’t have a boat)

Sunday, July 20

2:30 PM – Guided snorkeling at the “Main” shipwreck (Second session)
Porto Pim (registration required)

3:30 PM – Inauguration of Fulvio Capurso’s sculptures
Delicate and kinetic installations placed throughout the island.
Horta Marina

5:00 PM – Final performance of “Ripples of Wonder” Workshop
A sensory closing by the sea.
Porto Pim Beach

O conteúdo Festival Maravilha Mar | 17-20 July aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

Recognized as one of the most challenging triathlons in Portugal, the event combines three demanding and thrilling disciplines: open-water windsurfing, mountain biking along rugged trails, and sea kayaking. The windsurfing course, in particular, crosses areas rich in marine biodiversity, where participants may encounter dolphins, sharks, and even sperm whales, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability.

The 2025 edition carries special significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of José Azevedo’s birth — the legendary “Peter,” founder of the iconic Peter Café Sport, a historic meeting point for sailors from around the world. The triathlon pays tribute to Peter’s legacy and his deep connection to the maritime culture of the Azores.

Attracting participants from several countries, the Peter Café Sport Triathlon draws not only elite athletes but also international media attention, helping to promote the Azores as a premier destination for sports tourism.

The diversity of disciplines provides a wide range of powerful imagery and compelling stories — from extreme sports enthusiasts to lovers of nature and maritime history.

Follow all the latest updates on the official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Do not miss the Peter Café Sport Triathlon 2025 — an unforgettable experience that brings together sport, nature, and cultural heritage in the heart of the Atlantic.

O conteúdo Peter Café Sport Triathlon 2025 | 17th MAY aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

This concert, starting at 21:00, will bring together local musicians and groups for an evening that highlights the rich musical talent of the island of Faial.

The event, organised in partnership with the Câmara Municipal da Horta, Maria do Céu Brito, and Tomás Melo, promises to pay tribute to the musical traditions and innovations of Faial, featuring performances that range from Fado and choral music to genres like Pop, Mornas, and Country.

On this night, each melody will tell a musical story, interpreted by artists such as Horácio Gomes, Les Greenhill, Salome Flores, Isabelle Plante, António Pimentel, Isaac Silveira, Rute Duarte, and the Grupo Coral da Horta, accompanied by Andrei Zinovyev and many other talents that reflect the essence of Faial’s culture.

Tickets are free and can be collected at the Horta Municipal Market Information Desk, with each person allowed to reserve up to two seats.

Find out more here.

O conteúdo CONCERT, WORLD MUSIC DAY | 1st OCT aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

Festivities kick off with whaleboat tours around Porto Pim Bay, in partnership with the Horta Yatch Club. The celebrations continue with guided tours to the Monte da Guia whale’s lookout spot, followed by entertainment in the factory’s outdoor area. There will be traditional Azorean games, a lively evening of music with a Jam Session, and performances by local DJs. And of course, no birthday party would be complete without plenty of food and drinks!

The Porto Pim Whale Factory is a museum that’s open to the public, offering guided tours organised by OMA (Azores Sea Observatory). Located within the original industrial complex, it offers an immersive look at the history of the now-extinct Azorean whaling industry, which is key to understanding the historical, economic, and social context of this activity and Faial Island.

For the full schedule of the Whaling Factory’s 82nd anniversary and more information about the museum, visit the official pages:

Website | https://www.oma.pt/fabrica.php

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/reel/536024265550363

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/fabricadabaleia/

O conteúdo 82nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHALE FACTORY | 13th SEP aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

O conteúdo SEA WEEK 2024 | 2-11 AUGUST aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

10 years of a blue island, of races, historic trails, emotions, friendships, and true victories. The poet John Donne says that “no man is an island”, but Ultra Blue Island is made of one, the Island of Faial.

Here, UBI will always be the accomplice of each adventurer who lives this experience, in its entirety, at the rhythm of his steps. With them, we celebrate overcoming obstacles, dedication, and communion.

More information

O conteúdo ULTRA BLUE ISLAND | May 3rd – May 5th aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

For all the information on how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and transportation options, please visit www.azorestriangleadventure.com.

O conteúdo Azores Trail Run – Triangle Adventure | 27th to 29th October aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

A frequent highlight of the Varadouro festivities is the religious aspect, with processions and religious ceremonies that honor patron saints or important religious figures for the community. These events may include masses, processions through the streets of the parish, moments of devotion, and other religious rituals.

Music also represents a central role in these festivities. Live performances by local musical groups, philharmonic bands, and guest artists provide entertainment for the population. Traditional dances are often part of the program, allowing people to celebrate their cultural heritage and have fun at the same time.

The Varadouro festivities are an opportunity for the local community to come together, celebrate their traditions, interact with neighbors, and welcome visitors from other regions. They provide an environment of joy, unity, and sharing, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging to that specific neighborhood.

All information on www.facebook.com/festasvaradouro

O conteúdo Varadouro Festivities | 30 august to 3 september aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

In 2023, the Atlantis Cup – Autonomy Regatta, which has been taking place for 34 years, starts on July 30th, in a first stage, from Santa Maria to São Miguel, then from São Miguel to Terceira Island and the last stage departs from Terceira Island sailing to Faial Island on the 6th of August, with sailboats divided into three classes: Open, ANC and ORC.

At that time, Horta Bay fills with color to receive the sailors, who are invited to discover the traditions and gastronomy of the island, when the Sea Week, the biggest nautical festival in the country, will be taking place.

Photo: José Macedo

O conteúdo Atlantis Cup – Autonomy Regatta 2023 | July 30-August 6 aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.