The initiative is part of the European ecoRoute project, which promotes the appreciation of underwater heritage as a distinctive element for developing sustainable tourism in outermost regions. In the Azores, it is carried out by OMA, the Faial Sustainable Tourism Association (ATSF), and CHAM – the Centre for the Humanities of NOVA University Lisbon, with the collaboration of several local institutions.

The inauguration of this new interpretive centre also marks the start of other initiatives planned under ecoRoute, among which the Porto Pim underwater trail stands out. This trail will allow the public to discover in situ aspects of biodiversity and elements related to submerged cultural heritage. The project also includes the installation of interpretive signage in various areas of interest, with information panels and QR codes to contextualize the natural and archaeological heritage of the area.

With this new cultural offering, Horta reinforces its commitment to ocean literacy, the appreciation of its historical and natural heritage, and the promotion of a sustainable tourism model based on knowledge and respect for the sea.

O conteúdo Inauguration of the new space on the Underwater Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Azores | 1 DEC aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

The program once again brings together the richness of Faial’s culture, combining activities at sea and on land. Among the highlights are the whaleboat regattas, a symbol of the island’s maritime heritage, and sport fishing, which attracts both participants and spectators to Varadouro Bay.

On land, the festivities feature traditional games, folk marches, dances, concerts, and the religious celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. The food stalls with regional flavors and the festive atmosphere make these celebrations a meeting point for residents, visitors, and emigrants returning at this time of year.

The event is organized by the Parish Council of Capelo. The full program can be found here.

From September 3rd to 7th, all roads lead to Varadouro!

O conteúdo FESTAS DO VARADOURO | 3 – 7 SEP 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.

O conteúdo CONCERT – SEXTET BLUE COMBO | 27th OCT 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.