Flores Events
The Festival of the Holy Ghost is the most important in Flores. It is a centuries-old tradition closely connected with the religious inclinations of the people of Flores. Enacting the rituals of the coronation of the “emperor”, the showing of his insignia and celebration of the “bodo” or feast, attracts the inhabitants of the village and many visitors. Similar festivals are held in every parish. The most important, lasting for two days, is held in Santa Cruz where the town is decorated with flowers and colored arches and where locals and visitors mix in lively street dancing. With the presence of the crowns of the 27 emperors existing on the island, it is considered to be the most important festival of the Holy Ghost in the Azores. The Holy Ghost festivals take place on Sundays after Whitsun until the summer. At Santa Cruz it is held on the last Sunday in August.
Other festivals includes the “Folares” (Easter cakes with baked eggs) and the processions of the “Senhor dos Passos” (Our Lord bearing His Cress) held in every parish on Good Friday. St. John’s Festivals at Santa Cruz also attract many visitors. The Festival of Senhora das Flores, held in honor of Our Lady at the Chapel called “Capela dos Matos”, is one of the most frequented in Flores. The Emigrants Festival at Lajes das Flores is held on the 2nd weekend of July.