Lack of time, the required work, and the gratuitousness of the associations are all factors that jeopardize the opening of the societies and, subsequently, the tradition of Carnaval -danças and bailinhos from Terceira island.
Art historian Assunção Melo said, “Nowadays it’s inconceivable for Carnival on Terceira Island to be held out of doors.”
“We want to be sitting in a chair sheltered from the wind and rain; we want to have a stage with lights and sound equipment suitable to enhance the show. With the public’s demands, people’s lack of time, and the free membership, the situation is getting worse. The closure of societies and halls puts Carnaval in danger,” he said.
Those who make up the board work “for the love of the traditions and the organizations they serve.”
Assunção Melo states, “there needs to be a greater cultural commitment from all generations”.
She argues that “an intervention by the parish councils or even other associations linked to the parishes” could prevent the closure of these venues and even guarantee their future.
The Carnaval of Terceira Island was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.
The art historian says that this distinction “doesn’t affect the future, nor does it condition what comes next”.
“The main characteristic of intangible tradition is its evolution. This evolution will happen for better or for worse. Carnaval Terceira style will be what people want it to be,” said Assunção Melo.
She believes that we shouldn’t freeze tradition but rather “make an assessment of the negative aspects and see the positive evolution so that these characteristics can be fostered and applied in a way that preserves the most intrinsic cultural identity.”

in Diário Insular, José Lourenço-director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance)  at California State University, Fresno–PBBI thanks the sponsorship of the Luso-American Development Foundation from Lisbon, Portugal (FLAD)