Terceira is known as the island of festivals, and its best known festival of Sanjoaninas opens a busy summer schedule with a full week of intense festivities. The Sanjoaninas date back to the first inhabitants of the island and are considered by many the biggest non-religious festival in the Azorean archipelago. In 1934 the festival included an opening procession with royal attendance. Since that year the processions became an important component of cultural agenda, and open the weeklong event that includes a appearances by world renowned musicians and artists, arena bull fighting, tethered bull fighting, expositions, popular marches and sports events. The Sanjoaninas festivities also feature the famous culinary and gastronomy typical of the island of Terceira.

The Sanjoaninas festival is an excellent excuse to visit Terceira, meet its people and experience its modus vivendi culture.