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 exhibition offers a journey through the world of scrimshaw, a traditional technique of engraving on whale bone, through pieces that highlight the artist’s sensitivity and her connection to the Azorean cultural heritage. Alongside this, three iconic whaling stations on the island of Faial are depicted: Capelinhos, Salão and the Porto Pim Whaling Factory.

In addition to the works on display, the public will have the opportunity to see some of the tools used by the artist in the engraving process, revealing the technical and artisanal dimension of these unique pieces.

The opening event will also feature a screening of the short documentary “Beauty Between Surfaces”, by director Carley Bayers, produced as part of the Hotel Papel Sister City Arts Creative Residency in New Bedford.

This is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to (re)discover the art of scrimshaw and Faial’s whaling heritage.

O conteúdo EXHIBITION | Whaling Stations of Faial – Scrimshaw by Cláudia Furtado | from 9 May 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.

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.

Faial is getting ready to welcome another edition of MUMA – Murmúrios da Maré, a festival organized by Associação Música Vadia, which once again energizes the island’s cultural scene on 14 and 15 November, at the Old Volunteer Firefighters’ Headquarters in Horta. The event continues to establish itself as a space for encounter, experimentation and celebration of contemporary music produced in the Azores and beyond.

The programme begins on 14 November, at 9:30 p.m., with the fourth chapter of “Murmurinho – Who Was It That Blew?”, a project that explores soundscapes and narratives in a performative format.

The second day, 15 November, brings the festival’s most vibrant moment, with performances that promise to turn the old fire station into a hub of musical effervescence. The night starts at 10:30 p.m. with Xexa, followed by Fidju Kitxora at midnight. The party continues with a B2B DJ set by Tocha Dábaile & Raiospartam, keeping the energy high until late.

MUMA maintains a strong community identity, combining artistic creativity with the involvement of local partners and the support of regional entities. The 2025 edition strengthens the festival’s role as a cultural catalyst on Faial, highlighting emerging artistic production and collaboration within the island.

Tickets for both nights are available at the ticket office of the Horta Municipal Market. When purchased before the day of the event, prices are €5 for the first night, €8 for the second, or €10 for a full festival pass. On the event days, tickets will be sold at the door with an additional €2 charge. Young people up to 18 years old have free entry to the Murmurinho performance and benefit from a 50 percent discount on tickets for 15 November.

The public is invited to take part, discover new sounds and enjoy two immersive days dedicated to music and contemporary creation. Entry is free for the Murmurinho event, in line with the ticket policy above.

For more information and updates, follow the festival’s official platforms on Facebook and Instagram.

O conteúdo MUMA Festival | 14 – 15 Nov aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

The program includes a dive at the Archaeological Cannon Deposit at 10:00 a.m. and a guided snorkel tour of the Main shipwreck at 2:00 p.m.

The Archaeological Cannon Deposit is the first underwater archaeological reserve in the Azores, created between 2008 and 2012. Located in the Bay of Entre-os-Montes at a depth of 18 meters, it is a true underwater sculpture garden, featuring artillery pieces dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. This site was designed to allow underwater cultural heritage to be known, protected, and experienced in situ, combining the preservation of historical memory with new forms of tourist enjoyment.

The Main shipwreck, grounded in 1892 in Porto Pim Bay, is today one of Faial’s most accessible and emblematic underwater sites. Built in 1868, the vessel met its end after a fire on board and still lies in front of the old whaling factory, now home to the Porto Pim Aquarium. Resting at just 4 to 5 meters deep, it is an easily accessible wreck, ideal for beginner divers or snorkelers, and an important historical witness to 19th-century Atlantic trade.

These initiatives are organized in partnership with NOVA University Lisbon/CHAM and Norberto Diver, within the framework of the ecoRoute European project, which aims to foster sustainable tourism and promote the value of underwater and coastal heritage in the partner regions.

Beyond Faial, ecoRoute partners in Madeira (CEAM) and Martinique (APAA) will also promote coastal and underwater clean-up activities and community awareness initiatives. This collaboration between partners reinforces a coordinated commitment to sustainability, marine heritage protection, and community engagement.

Registration is mandatory and can be completed until September 25 via email at geral.atsf@gmail.com.

O conteúdo World Tourism Day | 27 September 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.