People and culture of the Azores

 The Azores are a unique and fascinating archipelago in their multiple aspects, including their rich history, culture, and people. Azorean people are known to be welcoming and friendly, with a strong sense of community and solidarity. They are hardworking people who value their families and traditions greatly.

 Geographically remote from other lands, the Azores were mostly populated by Portuguese from various locations from north to south of Portugal, to which were added people of other nationalities such as Jews, French, Italians, Spaniards, and others. As one can imagine, isolation and this cultural melting pot could justify the emergence of a differentiated and unique culture and identity. But it is not here that the Azorean identity is defined, since we are talking about nine islands, even far from each other, and consequently with different historical, political, and socio-cultural developments. So what is the Azorean identity and what was the polarizing element of its construction? 

In the words of Azorean poet and novelist Vitorino Nemésio, "For us, Islanders, natives, obstinate, Azoreanism is our way of affirming ourselves in the world, it is the soul that we feel in the form of the body we carry." 

The common elements in archipelagic existence are the foundation of Azorean identity and culture formation. The strong connection to land and sea - cradle, sustenance, life and death. The love and awe for the imposing nature and respect and fear of its destructive capacity. The devotion and faith strongly marked by the desire for protection and refuge from the land of earthquakes and volcanoes. The distrust of the outside world, which often meant disturbance of order, peace and plunder. The same need and difficulties in developing traditional activities such as agriculture, fishing, and livestock breeding. The sharing and community experience of something unique and singular in the world. 

These are few words to describe such a broad and complex subject as the process of constructing an identity. But the shaping elements of Azorean identity, the cultural matrix that characterizes today a hospitable, brave, zealous people of their customs and traditions, proud of their achievements, inclusive and tolerant of difference, are outlined in a summarized way. Ready to welcome and introduce you to their land, their customs, and share with you these blessed islands.

One of the most striking features of Azorean culture is religiosity, with faith playing an important role in the life of the communities. The Catholic Church has been an important presence in the islands since the time of colonization, and most of the traditional festivals and celebrations in the Azores have religious roots. 

Religious festivals are a significant part of Azorean culture, with several celebrations throughout the year, each dedicated to a local patron saint. Many of these festivals include processions, masses, music, dance, and typical food. The most important festivals include Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres and the festival of the Divine Holy Spirit, the festivals of São João and the festival of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

The Catholic religion has also influenced the architecture of the Azores, with many historical churches, chapels, and monasteries that can be found throughout the region. The Church of São Sebastião, in Angra do Heroísmo, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Portugal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another form of cultural expression is inevitably gastronomy, rich and diverse, with dishes that reflect the history and geography of the region. Azorean cuisine is based on local ingredients, such as fish, seafood, meat, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and herbs, and is known to be healthy and tasty.

One of the best-known dishes from the Azores is Cozido das Furnas, which is slowly cooked in holes dug in the ground heated by volcanic action, a mix of meat, sausages, vegetables, and spices that is highly appreciated. Other popular dishes include alcatra (meat cooked in white wine), stewed octopus (with fragrant wine), lapas (a type of mollusk), São Jorge cheese, bolo lêvedo (a sweet bread), and massa sovada (a sweet bread common in the Azores).

The Azores are also known for their wines, liquors, and non-alcoholic beverages. Passion fruit liquor, for example, is one of the most famous in the region and can be found in many souvenir shops. The island of Pico is known for producing a unique and high-quality wine, Vinho Verdelho, which is made from grapes grown in lava fields that stretch across the island. The vineyards of Pico have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 and are an important landmark in the recognition of Azorean gastronomic culture. Other popular beverages include São Miguel mineral water and tea that is grown on the island of São Miguel, known for its high quality.

Azorean gastronomic culture also includes many festivities and celebrations that are centered around food. For example, the Feast of the Holy Spirit is an annual celebration in honor of the Divine Holy Spirit, which includes many traditional Azorean dishes, such as the sweet bread called "massa sovada".

Music is one of the most important cultural expressions of the Azores. For the Azorean people, it is much more than a simple pastime, being seen as a form of artistic and cultural expression that reflects their identity and history.

Folk music is probably the most popular form of music in the Azores, with its roots in ancient traditions and passed down from generation to generation. Chamarrita, pezinho, and sapateira are some of the best-known folk songs and dances and are accompanied by typical instruments such as the viola da terra, cavaquinho, accordion, and castanets.

In the musical culture of the Azores, religion also has an important presence, with religious festivals and celebrations often accompanied by choirs and bands of sacred music, as well as being used as a form of expression and praise during processions and other religious ceremonies.

From fishing and whaling traditions to music and crafts, the ocean is a fundamental element in Azorean identity. Fishing is one of the main economic and cultural activities in the Azores, practiced for centuries by the local population. It continues to be carried out sustainably with traditional and artisanal techniques, making it a differentiated activity compared to other places in the world.

Whaling, introduced in the Azores by Americans, took place between the late 18th century and the end of the 20th century, and was a very important economic activity for the Azores. The epic-dramatic characteristic of whale hunting and its socio-economic importance has left Azorean identity marks and knowledge that still endure today. In addition to fishing, the Azorean islands were historically an important stopping point for ships and vessels crossing the Atlantic Ocean, which led to intense maritime commerce.

Navigation is also a recurring theme in Azorean music, with its lyrics telling stories of maritime adventures and sailors' longings for new lands.

Agriculture and animal husbandry are fundamental elements of Azorean culture, not only as economic activities, but also as elements that have shaped the identity and customs of local communities over the centuries.

Popular festivals and celebrations are also strongly linked to farming and livestock, as is the case with the Holy Spirit Festivals, which involve the distribution of food and drinks produced by the faithful themselves. Traditional music and dances, which often celebrate life in the countryside and the relationship between man and nature, are further evidence of the importance of these activities in Azorean culture.

Today, tourists visiting the islands can get a close look at this tradition through visits to agricultural farms, cooperatives, and local markets, which offer fresh and quality products sustainably grown and produced by the Azoreans.

The traditional crafts of the Azores are diverse and composed of pieces made from ceramics, weaving, lace and embroidery, fish scales, wood, vegetable fibers, and other local raw materials that, once transformed, reflect the richness of the archipelago's culture and history.

The ceramic pieces, for example, are traditionally made from clay from the island of Santa Maria and present shapes and motifs inspired by nature and local traditions. Fabrics and laces are handmade by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.

Recently, Azorean handicrafts have been modernized beyond the traditional, with the inclusion of new materials and techniques. This has allowed local artisans to create unique and contemporary pieces that attract a new generation of admirers.

When visiting the Azores, be sure to appreciate the beauty and richness of local crafts, which are a vibrant expression of Azorean culture, both in its traditional and modern form.