The Praia Festivities ended on Sunday, and the organization’s assessment couldn’t be more positive.
“I don’t have a highlight of the festivities, because every day we had a fantastic atmosphere, lots of socializing, many reunions, shows for all tastes… We had days when we had four stages running simultaneously with concerts. The children’s area was a success this year,” Joseph Michel Menezes, the general coordinator of this edition of the festivities, told DI (Diário Insular newspaper).
For 10 days, Praia da Vitória was filled with color and music to host the festivities, and, unlike previous years, there was good weather for almost the entire week. 
“The balance is extremely positive. São Pedro cooperated a lot with us. It was one of the concerns we had. In the last two years, there was a lot of rain, which led to some cancellations. This year, we had wonderful weather. We couldn’t be happier,” said Joseph Michel Menezes.

When asked if there were any aspects to improve, the coordinator admitted that there were, but he referred to them in a report that he will send to the municipality.
“I think it’s important to take stock, to see where we failed, because there are certainly points for improvement. I’m going to draw up a report in the next few weeks, where I think there are some things that can be improved so that in 2025 we’ll still have a better festival than this year’s,” he said.
The general coordinator believes that the turnout for the festivities was even higher this year, especially in the green zone, where he guarantees that the traders were satisfied with the results.
“The weather helped a lot and a good atmosphere was created there. We had several days of solo shows. It was wonderful, with everyone very happy. It was extraordinary,” he said.

According to Joseph Michel Menezes, the Marina Stage “came back in force” in 2024, with “a lot of people” at the various shows, but the Dream Zone also managed to achieve its goals.
“Diogo Piçarra had an extraordinary turnout, Sara Correia too and all the other days were always very well attended,” he said.
The Praia Festivities closed once again with fireworks. The show caused three small fires in Serra do Facho, which, according to the coordinator, were extinguished in a few minutes.
“We had firefighters on standby because it had happened in previous years. It was very dry and some reeds burned. It didn’t take more than 10 or 15 minutes. Everything was under control,” he explained.
Joseph Michel Menezes coordinated the Praia Festivities for the first time this year. He confesses that it was a “challenge” but doesn’t regret taking on the task.

“I’ve been in Praia for over 40 years. Praia has already done a lot for me, and I should do something about it. It’s been very interesting. I’ve made a lot of friends, we’ve had some moments of distress and stress, but I’m very happy,” he said.
“I just have to say a big thank you to everyone who has worked with me over the last few months. It’s been fantastic. I don’t regret the challenge I’ve been given,” he added.

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 Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.