What are the roots of Terceira’s typical Pão por Deus? Are there differences between the islands?
One of the traditions related to Pão por Deus (Bread for God) in the Azores, closely linked to the cult of the departed, with a religious identity marked by geographical isolation and an exceptional connection with God, tells us that it was believed that a soul could “sour”, spoil, the bread and, to prevent this from happening, when the first batch was baked, this bread was placed on a chair at the door of the house for someone to pass by and take it. In addition, the poorest children would go around the houses to collect the various offerings made during these days, with some managing to give more than others. One of the most widely distributed products then was maçaroca de milho (corn), an essential cereal in the regional diet.
There are differences between these traditions on each island, especially when Terceira, under foreign influence, began to mix Bread-for-God and Halloween.

Does this manifestation express roots in religiosity and poverty?
Bread for God has ancient roots, dating back to the begging that used to take place on All Saints’ Day, November 1st. This tradition took on a greater dimension after the earthquake of November 1, 1755, when in the need to raise the city of Lisbon after the catastrophe that occurred the following year, on November 1, 1756, begging began throughout the city to try to help the most disadvantaged, without food, who were in misery and with their lives shattered after the natural disaster. They begged for alms so they wouldn’t starve to death, saying “Bread for God,” and the tradition was born. The Pão por Deus (Bread for God) has also reached Terceira and the other Azorean islands with its variations. Therefore, this event has deep religious roots and is linked to All Saints’ Day and poverty. November 1, 1756, was an example of this when the entire Portuguese capital went on a hunger appeal. A way of helping those in need. For years, this was the day bread was distributed to those most in need. However, the importance of celebrating All Saints’ Day goes back much further. In the West, Pope Boniface IV celebrated All Saints’ Day on May 13, 610, by dedicating the Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the martyrs. This commemoration was celebrated every year. The date of November 1st only came to be recognized as All Saints’ Day when, in the 8th century, England began to use this day. Over time, the tradition spread to the rest of Europe, with Pope Gregory III dedicating a chapel in Rome to all the saints on November 1, the eve of All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 2. It became a mandatory commemorative date during the time of the Frankish King Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, in the 9th century, after the intervention of Pope Gregory IV, who wanted all the saints of the Church to be remembered on this date.

How do you think the tradition has been diluted over time?
Nowadays, the tradition has lost some strength in our land, although All Saints’ Day is celebrated, and there is a concern about remembering the departed. Bread for God no longer has the same dimension as it used to. It has to be said that during the final years of the Estado Novo, Bread for God no longer had this social, almsgiving dimension but something more playful and could only be requested by children under the age of 10 and only until midday. Over time, the hours and even the days were extended. Today, fewer children are asking, and it’s already mixed up here in Terceira with Halloween, with the younger ones dressing up to go from house to house to ask for their Bread for God. Much of this sharing has been lost, and more value has been placed on handing out treats.

In Terceira, is it risky to say that we were the first place in the country to celebrate Halloween, or is it true?
We can say that Halloween began to be celebrated in Terceira because of North American influence. The tradition quickly spread across the island, with people joining in with the available treats and costumes. Even in schools, the date of “Halloween” was remembered, much of it in English classes, adding strength to this new tradition. With the Lajes Base receiving children from all over the island, it was a way of spreading this celebration, especially to the Ramo Grande area. For many years, there had been a tradition of going trick-or-treating with the Americans, and on Halloween, the Lajes Base opened its doors for the children of Terceira to go around the houses collecting treats.

How did Bread for God and Halloween get mixed up?
Nowadays, the two celebrations are already mixed up, with children celebrating one and the other as if they were one. The traditional Bread for God has been lost in time. As a result of North American influence, Terceira ended up mixing Halloween and Bread for God, with the youngest wanting to dress up and go around scaring each other and asking for sweets. This mix of Bread for God and Halloween has become so ingrained that you can’t tell the difference – just look at the houses decorated for Halloween in various parts of Terceira, as it’s already a local tradition.

What significance do you think Bread for God still has on the island?
Pão por Deus continues to be a day to remember All Saints’ Day and the departed, and, at the same time, it’s a day to celebrate life, with children celebrating the day with costumes, treats, and the like. It’s a different spirit to that of 1756. However, it still has its meaning and magic, especially for those who celebrate it and want to remember this day. It is still an important religious holiday for the Portuguese, with trips to the cemeteries to clean the graves and lay flowers. It’s still a date with a strong symbolism of being able to remember those who are no longer with us.

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.