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.

Day 1 – August 16 | Psychobloc Climbing at Ponta Furada

The first day is dedicated to psychobloc, a style of climbing without ropes performed on seaside cliffs. The picturesque Ponta Furada will be the stage for this unique experience, combining physical challenge and natural beauty.

Climbing registrations are sold out, but everyone is welcome to watch and experience the energy of the event.
You can bring your surfboard, float, or kayak to get closer to the action and see the climbers up close.

For those without equipment or who prefer an organized activity, there will be guided kayak and SUP tours with Azores4fun. The route runs from Porto da Feteira to Ponta Furada, passing impressive volcanic arches, and ends with the opportunity to watch the climbers and even take a swim .

Guided kayak and SUP tour information:
Meeting point: Porto da Feteira
Start time: 3 PM
Price: €5 adults | €3 children (includes kayak + guide)
Registration until August 15: Online form – limited spots

Day 2 – August 17 | International Climbing Film Festival – Reel Rock 19

On the second day, the meeting changes setting and invites the public to dive into the world of climbing through the big screen. In partnership with Freguesia da Matriz and the Cineclube do Faial, a selection of films from Reel Rock 19, an international festival showcasing inspiring stories of climbers and extreme adventures, will be screened outdoors at Marina da Horta.

This edition features three short films that take the audience from iconic cliffs to remote big walls, showcasing perseverance, technique, and passion for the sport.

Information:
Location: Marina da Horta (by the Rosa dos Ventos)
Time: 9:30 PM
Free entry

O conteúdo 1st Climbing Meeting | 16-17 August 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.

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.

Faial’s Christmas tradition, Dia das Montras (Shop Windows Day), brings Christmas decoration enthusiasts together in the city of Horta on Sunday evening, 8th December.

Part of the Faial, Ilha Natal (“Faial, Christmas Island”) programme, Dia das Montras is one of the most eagerly awaited events for Faial locals. It marks the arrival of the Christmas spirit in the shop windows of Horta’s city centre, inviting the public to vote for the display that best showcases creativity and originality within the festive theme.

The day’s programme also features a Christmas Local Craft Market, a Film Screening, the Opening of the Traditional Nativity Scene Exhibition, a performance by a Christmas Folk Group (Rancho de Natal), a jazz concert by the local band “Blue Combo,” and other attractions.

It is also the perfect opportunity to explore local gastronomy by visiting the stalls at the Horta Municipal Market and various street vendors.

Stay up-to-date with the Dia das Montras schedule and the Faial, Ilha Natal event, which runs until 5th January and offers a variety of festive attractions and activities for all ages. Check the official event website and the Municipality of Horta’s social media pages (Facebook and Instagram).

O conteúdo DIA DAS MONTRAS (SHOP WINDOW’S DAY) | 8th DEC aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.

The Azores Triangle Adventure, organised by Azores Trail Run, will take place on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of October 2024. Over the course of three days, athletes from around the world will cover 87 km through the most iconic landscapes of the three Triangle Islands: Faial, Pico, and São Jorge.

The island of Faial will host the event’s third and final stage, the Volcanoes Trail. On the 27th of October, the 33 km route will start and finish at the Capelinhos Volcano, traversing the Ten Volcanoes Trail, crossing the bridges and tunnels of the “Levada”, and passing by the Caldeira do Faial.

This challenging race is a qualifier for the Ultra-Trail® du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).

For more information, visit the event’s official website.

O conteúdo AZORES TRIANGLE ADVENTURE | 25th-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.

This is the concept behind Terra Incógnita, a transdisciplinary artistic project coming to Faial from 4th to 7th September 2024. Originally from the island of São Miguel, the project challenges artists from various disciplines to reimagine the landscape through music and performance. In 2024, it will take place from September 4th to 14th on the islands of Santa Maria and Faial.

At the heart of the programme is the idea of the trail and the contemplation of site-specific musical creations, multimedia installations, and performative acts. In the days leading up to the event, a series of talks will provide context to the exchange fostered by the artistic residencies.

Participation is free and open to all, but spaces are limited and require registration. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unique event that promises to redefine the relationship between nature and art on the island of Faial.

Find out more about the Terra Incógnita project on the official website: http://terraincognitapdl.com/

Registration | https://tr.ee/nOJyhsRd1p

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/terraincognitapdl
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/terraincognitapdl?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

O conteúdo TERRA INCÓGNITA (ANGIE REED + RITA SILVA) | 4 & 7 SEPTEMBER aparece primeiro em Discover Faial - Island of Nature & Culture.