Colors of Terceira Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Once on Terceira, remember that locals love their small homeland and their national traditions. Moreover, they cannot tolerate all comparisons with the neighbours. They are especially offended when it comes to comparison with Spain and the Spanish people. That’s why you shouldn’t refer to locals in Spanish. If you want to talk, it is best to either use simple well-known phrases in Portuguese or address people in English. A large number of people understand this language in all large settlements.

Polite treatment begins with the words «señor» or «señora». If you know the profession of the interlocutor or the scientific title, you can mention it. It will be a sign of good manners. Universal greeting here is a handshake, both with men, women and even with children. If you make friends with a local, he can offer you to move to more informal communication, but in this case, the initiative should come from a native of Terceira. Friends usually hug each other or kiss on the cheeks. Another sign of good education is to buy a small gift for those who have invited you to the house.

You should definitely have a drink if the host has suggested it. It will be the right thing for the guest. If you are invited home, you can not remove your shoes in most cases. Terceira inhabitants don’t become offended if you are a little late. If you are late for 10-20 minutes, it is even not necessary to apologize. But the only exception is lunch, which is extremely important for local residents. It is not accepted to come late for this event. The Islanders do not try too hard to follow all the rules of etiquette. However, the choice of clothes is quite important for local people and they are always trying to look appropriate. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The vast majority of Terceira's natives are Catholic. This leaves a certain imprint on public relations. For example, it is not welcome here to go in too open clothes or bathing suit anywhere outside the beach. Representatives of other religions and atheists are tolerated here, but it is better not to discuss religion with the locals. The main Church holidays are celebrated everywhere – Good Friday, the Body of Christ, the Assumption of the Virgin, All Saints ' Day, the Day of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas.

Locals celebrate secular holidays in a big way. For example, hostess washes windows to shine, and eat 12 grapes under the clock on New Year's Eve around the island. The islanders love carnival days falling on February or March, depending on the date of Easter. Local shops will also be closed on Independence Day in June, which has been celebrated for almost five centuries, during Freedom Day in April, and on Labor Day in May. The Day of the Man of the Sea is celebrated on May 7, the island hosts a real festival dedicated to the sea and seafood.

There is a wine festival in Angra do Heroísmo at the end of May on the island. Everyone can taste the old and the new wine from local wineries during the festival. On the island, in addition to corrida (bullfighting), is regularly held touradas á corda, or «the battle of tethered bulls». Specially trained people restrain bulls, and any brave person can try to get close to the beast as far as he has the courage and good luck. Throughout the summer, processions and festivities are held throughout the island, which are part of the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo, a festival dedicated to the Epiphany. During the St. John Festival, processions with various tools and national costumes are held in the streets of the towns.