From 2 to 5 July, the city of Horta celebrates the 193rd anniversary of its elevation from town to city with a vibrant programme of music, culture and entertainment for all ages.

The highlight of the celebrations is the White Night, on 4 July, when Horta’s city centre is transformed into a lively open-air venue. Residents and visitors are invited to dress in white and enjoy live music, street entertainment, local gastronomy and late-night shopping in a unique festive atmosphere.

Come and celebrate this historic occasion and discover the unique atmosphere that makes Horta such an extraordinary place!

O conteúdo White Night | 4 July aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

The Maravilha Festival is once again transforming the island of Faial into a vast stage for culture, art and the coming together of the sea, the town and the people.

Under the motto “It’s in the sea, it’s on the island, it’s Maravilha!”, the festival brings together music, dance, gastronomy, crafts, street art and unexpected performances, creating a unique experience in the heart of Horta.

Throughout the event, the city’s iconic locations come to life with concerts, artistic interventions, floating shows and activities for all ages, promoting Faial as a creative and cultural destination in the Atlantic.

Organised by the Fazendo Cultural Association, the Maravilha Festival stands out for its strong connection to the community, public spaces and the island’s maritime identity.

Spanning Praça do Infante, Horta Marina and Porto Pim Bay, the festival invites residents and visitors to celebrate the art, imagination and open-minded spirit that characterise Faial.

In June, Maravilha is on the ISLAND!

Find out more:
Maravilha Festival

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

O conteúdo Maravilha Festival | 9–14 June on the ISLAND aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

The celebrations will take place on April 25, with activities spread across some of the city’s most emblematic locations, including Praça da República and the Municipal Market, bringing together culture, music, and community gatherings throughout the day.

The event aims to celebrate the values achieved through the Carnation Revolution, highlighting freedom, democracy, and autonomy through a diverse and inclusive program open to the entire community.

Throughout the day, cultural, recreational, and entertainment initiatives are planned, including live music and a flea market featuring antiques and handicrafts, helping to energize the city center and encourage participation from both residents and visitors.

“Viva Liberdade” has become one of the municipality’s key commemorative events, reinforcing the importance of preserving the historical memory of April 25 and passing on the values of citizenship and freedom to future generations.

The full program of the celebrations is available on the municipality’s official website:
https://www.cmhorta.pt/index.php/informacao/destaques/5915-viva-liberdade-2026-programa

O conteúdo 25 April Celebrations – “Long Live Freedom 2026” aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

The city of Horta will once again be filled with light, music and festive spirit with another edition of Shop Window Day, which will take place next Monday, 8 December. Throughout the day and into the evening, various initiatives will enliven the city centre, including the traditional window displays decorated for the season, a Santa Claus parade, themed markets, a book fair, street entertainment, family activities, concerts and the eagerly awaited Christmas Parade.

The streets will come alive with the participation of local associations, artisans, musicians, and the city’s businesses in a celebration that marks the start of the Christmas season in Horta and encourages the community to enjoy the city centre.

See the full programme here: https://natal.cmhorta.pt/dezembro-08/

O conteúdo Dia da Montras (Shop Window Day) | 8th DEC aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

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.

This July, the city of Horta, in Faial, Azores, celebrates its 192nd anniversary of elevation to city status. From July 2nd to 6th, the city comes alive with a vibrant program of cultural events, music, traditional regattas, sports tournaments, and community celebrations.

This is the perfect time to explore Horta’s history, hospitality, and festive energy. Don’t miss the regattas featuring traditional whaleboats, the Horta White Experience at Largo do Infante, or the live music by the sea.

Below is the full program of events so you can plan your days and make the most of this special celebration.

Follow the celebration on https://www.facebook.com/municipiohorta

Full Program – Horta 192nd Anniversary

July 2nd–6th, 2025

Wednesday, July 2

6:30 PM
From Horta to the World
Speakers: Norberto Serpa and José Henrique Azevedo
Moderator: Maria Pinheiro
(Location: Salão Nobre)

Thursday, July 3

9:00 PM
Gala: “Speak! With One Voice”
Artistic Direction: Filipe Fonseca
(Location: Teatro Faialense)

Friday, July 4

11:00 AM
Day 1 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Rowing
(Location: Horta Bay)

3:00 PM
Day 1 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Sailing
(Location: Horta Bay)

5:00 PM
Horta City Tournament 2025 – Under-14 (boys & girls)
Semi-finals
(Location: Faial Tennis Club)

6:30 PM
Solemn Commemorative Session
192nd Anniversary of Horta’s Elevation to City Status
(Location: Teatro Faialense)

9:00 PM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Fábrica da Baleia)

10:00 PM
“Baile off July” – Dance Party
Concert with Hugo & Rui
(Location: Sporting Clube da Horta)

Saturday, July 5

9:00 AM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

9:00 AM
1st Regional Diabetes in Motion Meeting
(Organized by HH, USIF, SDIF, and CMH)

10:00 AM
Horta City Tournament 2025 – Under-14
Semi-finals
(Location: Faial Tennis Club)

2:00 PM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

3:00 PM
Friendship Race – Whaleboat Regatta (Sailing)
(Route: Porto Pim to Horta Bay)

9:30 PM
Horta Cidade Mar Night Tournament (CGF)
(Location: Faial Pitch and Putt Golf Course)

9:30 PM
Horta White Experience – Soul of the Sea
(Location: Largo do Infante & Maritime-Tourism Zone)

Infante Stage:

• 9:00 PM – Piko Preta

• 9:30 PM – TT Atles

• 11:00 PM – Re.Cover

Naval Club Stage:

• 9:00 PM – DJ Nunny

• 10:00 PM – DJ Nuno

• 12:00 AM – DJ Gala

Maritime-Tourism Area:

• 9:00 PM – Zumba Kids

Street Entertainment:

• 7:00 PM – Mobile Band

• 7:30 PM – Street Performances

Special Lighting & Decorations

Sunday, July 6

9:00 AM
Horta Cidade Mar Tournament (CGF)
(Location: Faial Pitch and Putt Golf Course)

11:00 AM
Day 2 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Rowing
(Location: Horta Bay)

10:00 AM
Horta City Tournament 2025 – Under-14
Finals
(Location: Faial Tennis Club)

10:30 AM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

2:00 PM
Day 2 – XIII International Whaleboat Regatta – Sailing
(Location: Horta Bay)

3:00 PM
IV Pim Games (SDIF)
(Location: Porto Pim Beach)

O conteúdo Horta’s Anniversary | 2-6 JUNE aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

Festival Maravilha is back for its 6th edition on the island of Faial, offering a vibrant celebration that brings together music, street art, circus performances, and community spirit—on land and at sea.

This year, the event is split into two parts: from 18 to 22 June, the heart of the festivities will be Praça do Infante in central Horta, next to the marina; and from 17 to 20 July, the festival takes to the sea, with activities between Porto Pim and the Port of Horta.

Organised by the cultural association Fazendo, Festival Maravilha is a true Atlantic oasis. It welcomes locals, sailors, artists and travellers to celebrate art, joy and imagination together.

The programme is diverse and family-friendly, featuring open-air concerts, floating shows, giant puppets and public art interventions. The music line-up includes Rokia Koné (Mali), Romeu Bairos, Virgem Suta, Pedro Lucas + Daniel Catarino, and Farra Fanfarra, among others. In July, the sea hosts floating concerts, improvised boat races, nautical workshops, and a lively set by DJ Gaiteirinho.

Street performances by groups like Wakouwa Teatro, Cães do Mar, 5ª Oficina and Rue de Titans will energise the town with acrobatics and puppet theatre. Artists Pantónio and Fulvio Capurso will also leave their mark through urban interventions inspired by local landscapes.

A highlight this year is the participation of the Faial Island Sustainable Tourism Association and the Azores Sea Observatory, through the ecoRoute project, which will reveal the secrets of historic shipwrecks around Faial and Pico and host hands-on ocean conservation activities for children — combining education and fun for young visitors.

Praça do Infante will be transformed into a welcoming venue for all ages, with continuous programming, a street food market and strong community participation.

With the motto “At sea! On the island!”, Festival Maravilha invites everyone to dive into a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Atlantic.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/festivalmaravilha/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/festivalmaravilha/

↓ Full programme below ↓

PROGRAMME

Tuesday, June 17

• 17:00 – Pantónio mural inauguration · Entremontes

• 21:30 – Film screening: “FLOW” · Praça do Infante

Wednesday, June 18

• 17:00 – Giant Puppets – workshop for children · Praça do Infante

• 19:00 – Porbatuka street parade · Praça do Infante

• 19:00 – La Margem Cia. (acrobatics) · Praça do Infante – barco

• 20:00 – Romeu Bairos (music) · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 22:00 – Farra Fanfarra (music) · Praça do Infante – palco

• 00:00 – Tiago Castro DJ Set · Praça do Infante – palco

Thursday, June 19

• 17:00 – Explorador Florentino – workshop for children · Praça do Infante

• 18:00 – World Dance Workshop · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 19:00 – La Margem Cia. (acrobatics) · Praça do Infante – barco

• 20:00 – Lokta (music) · Praça do Infante – palco

• 22:00 – Anti Dress Code (music) · Praça do Infante – palco

Friday, June 20

• 17:00 – “ÁGUA” – Estúdio 13 (dance) · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 18:00 – Oboé com Asas (music) · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 19:00 – O Baile dos Gigantes – giant puppets · Praça do Infante – barco

• 20:00 – Very Little Circus (circus) · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 22:00 – Pedra Lume (music) · Praça do Infante – palco

• 00:00 – Doski DJ Set · Praça do Infante – palco

Saturday, June 21

• 17:00 – Juggling – workshop for children · Praça do Infante

• 18:00 – “ÁGUA” – Estúdio 13 (dance) · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 19:00 – Grupo Folclórico do Salão (chamarritas) · Praça do Infante – palco

• 20:00 – Very Little Circus (circus) · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 21:00 – Oboé com Asas (music) · Praça do Infante – barco

• 22:00 – Virgem Suta (music) · Praça do Infante – palco

• 00:00 – P.S.Lucas DJ Set · Praça do Infante – palco

Sunday, June 22

• 15:00 – Bike Games (with ALBike) · Frente Mar

• 18:00 – O Baile dos Gigantes – giant puppets · Praça do Infante – barco

• 19:00 – “A Noite dos Justos” – Cães do Mar (theatre) · Praça do Infante – tribuna

• 20:00 – Porbatuka (music) · Praça do Infante

• 21:00 – Musicálogos: p.s.lucas & daniel catarino (music) · Praça do Infante – tribuna/barco

O conteúdo Festival Maravilha – in land | 18-22 June 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.

Promoted by Horta City Council in collaboration with the Horta Regional Conservatoire, this free concert will feature a performance by the duo formed by Professors Natalia Bauer (Cello) and Volodymyr Samokhvalov (Organ).

Programme:
J. Pachelbel; J. C. Vogler
J. S. Bach; G. Frescobaldi
T. Albinoni and J. C. Bach

Free entry, subject to venue capacity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience classical music in a historic setting in the city of Horta!

For more information, visit the official website of Horta City Council.

O conteúdo CONCERT – MUSICAL SEASON | 8th FEB aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.