Friends (male friendshipy) Day, celebrated today (Thursday, February 6th), is one of the most emblematic traditions of the Azores. This day, exclusively dedicated to men, marks the beginning of the carnival festivities and reflects the relaxed community spirit that characterizes Azorean culture.

A Tradition of Conviviality and Joy

Friends Day is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of male friendship. Groups of male friends, work colleagues and family members get together for fraternization, ranging from lunches to dinners or simple gatherings in local cafés and taverns.

In addition to the conviviality at the table, humor and jokes are indispensable elements. It’s not uncommon for groups to organize small jokes or exchanges of humorous gifts, reflecting this day’s relaxed and joyful nature.

Humorous Wills and Social Satire

One of the most interesting traditions of Friends Day in the Azores is the reading of humorous “testaments.” These texts, written in a satirical way, play with the participants’ personal characteristics or stories, always in a light and amusing tone. The wills aim to provoke laughter and create an atmosphere of camaraderie, strengthening the bonds between friends.

The Azorean Cultural Context

In the Azores, where Carnival is intense and symbolic, Friends’ Day takes on a special emphasis. On islands such as Terceira, where Carnival dances and balls carry significant weight, this day also serves as a warm-up for the festivities.

The celebrations are deeply rooted in the local culture and are passed down from generation to generation, preserving the Azorean identity. Friends’ Day is, therefore, more than just a time to get together: it is an expression of belonging and of valuing interpersonal relationships, a reflection of the welcoming and supportive spirit of the islands’ people.

An Invitation to Celebrate

For those visiting the Azores during Carnival, taking part in Dia de Amigos is a unique opportunity to experience this tradition up close. Between good food, laughter, and warm Azorean hospitality, this day is a window into authenticity and the deep value placed on friendships in the local culture.

Thus, Friends Day is not only a milestone in the Azorean festive calendar but also a testimony to the joie de vivre that defines the archipelago’s essence.

in Açores9 https://jornalacores9.pt/2025/02/06/o-dia-de-amigos-nos-acores-a-celebracao-da-amizade/

MORE ON THESE TRADITIONS

The Azoreans are very festive and full of traditions. All four Thursdays before Carnival – which this year takes place on the first weekend of March – are days of celebration dedicated to friendship.

This tradition in the Azores Archipelago of setting aside days to celebrate friendship has been on the agenda of friends in the Azores for around 100 years. It all began with celebrating the feasts of the Divine Holy Spirit. As a rule, on Thursdays, Azoreans would get together in the evening to choose cereals to use in the Holy Spirit festivities. Still, they would also take the opportunity to celebrate good times with friends.
Today, the tradition continues. It all starts with Friends’ Day, the so-called “men’s day.” Friends get together for big dinners and great conversations accompanied by good wines and beers, where entertainment is more than guaranteed.
Then, on the following Thursday, the women take over the agenda and take their revenge on the men, who, this time, stay at home.
The other two Thursdays are Compadres’ Day and Comadres’ Day. These days are more relaxed and family-oriented, but they also celebrate companionship and friendship.
If you’re in the Azores at this time of year, get together with your friends or family and celebrate friendship. Arrange dinners and then go to the bars; you’ll find full houses and a unique atmosphere.
From: https://pt.azoresguide.net/dia-dos-amigos-uma-particularidade-cultural-dos-acores/

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.