The Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores is celebrated today, June 9, with official ceremonies on the island of Terceira and public initiatives in the city of Horta, marking a day that unites the symbolism of political autonomy with the tradition of the Holy Spirit. The connection to the tradition of the Holy Spirit is a significant aspect of Azorean culture, representing a unique form of faith, solidarity, and unity among the island communities. The Cult of the Holy Spirit is one of the most well-known and vibrant religious celebrations in the Azores, which extends beyond religion and is an integral part of the region’s daily social and cultural life.

The Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores began to be officially celebrated in 1980, as a joint initiative of the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government, following the establishment of the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores by the Azorean Parliament through Regional Decree No. 13/80/A, of 21 August, to commemorate Azoreanity and Autonomy.
The date chosen for this celebration is not fixed, but is commemorated annually on the Monday of the Holy Spirit, i.e., the Monday immediately following Pentecost Sunday. The Day of the Region has a double meaning: political, as it evokes the conquest of autonomy, and cultural, as it is part of a celebration deeply felt by the Azorean communities.

Oficial celebration on Terceira island

Today is Azores Day at the Ramo Grande Auditorium in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, on the island of Terceira. The oficial ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10.30 a.m. and will feature speeches by representatives of the Parliamentary Groups and Representations sitting in the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, followed by speeches by the President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, and the President of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia, who in a message written in advance to mark the Day of the Autonomous Region of the Azores stated that being Azorean is more than a matter of birth: It is a daily choice to belong to a place of strength, memory and hope. In the text, the Parliamentarian pays tribute to all those who build the Azores with their work, slowness, and dedication – whether native to the islands, emigrants, returnees, or newcomers – highlighting the resilience, generosity, and determination of the Azorean people.

The President of the Legislative Assembly also emphasized the significance of 2025, which marks the 50th anniversary of the country’s first free elections. This milestone marked the beginning of the country’s autonomous process. The message reinforces that Autonomy is not a static legacy, but an ongoing construction that requires a vision of the future, social justice and cohesion. For the President of the Assembly, Autonomy must be lived with proximity and active participation, while remaining attentive to the challenges of the present.

In the final part of his letter, Luís Garcia appeals to the civic involvement of the Azoreans, warning of the need to care for and value both Democracy and Autonomy. He stresses that the Azores cannot just be an admired landscape or an emotional memory, but must increasingly become a land of opportunity and creation. It closes on a note of pride and shared responsibility: the future of the archipelago will always be written by the hands of all those who make these islands their place in the world.

Imposition of insignias

During the ceremony, 20 Azorean Honorary Insignia will be imposed by the presidents of the Legislative Assembly and the Regional Government. These distinctions are intended to recognize citizens and institutions that have distinguished themselves through personal or institutional merit, acts, civic deeds, or services rendered to the region.

This year, one Autonomous Insignia of Valor, four Autonomous Insignia of Recognition, two Autonomous Insignia of Professional Merit, one Autonomous Insignia of Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural Merit, and twelve Autonomous Insignia of Civil Merit will be awarded.

They will be awarded the Azorean Honorary Insignia: with the Autonomous Insignia of Valor, RTP-Açores; with the Autonomous Insignia of Recognition, António Manuel Fernandes da Silva Ribeiro, Cecília Benevides de Carvalho Meireles (posthumously), Gualter José Andrade Furtado and Miguel Corte-Real da Silveira Monjardino; with the Autonomous Insignia of Professional Merit, Alfredo Manuel Figueiras Martins Polena (posthumously) and Maria de Fátima Machado Mendes Cabral; with the Autonomous Insignia of Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural Merit, José Bairos Batista; and with the Autonomous Insignia of Civic Merit, Anaísa Costa Ormonde, Associação Humanitária dos Bombeiros Voluntários da Ribeira Grande, Dimas Simas Lopes, Francisco António Nunes PimentelGomes, Futebol Clube dos Flamengos, João Caetano Flores (posthumously), Jorge Manuel Medeiros Correia Gonçalves, José da Cunha Bettencourt, Lino Freitas Fraga, Sociedade Filarmónica Nova Aliança, Sociedade Filarmónica Recreio Ribeirense and Terceira Automóvel Clube.

The solemn moment will close with the Azorean and Portuguese anthems by the Pactis Choir. The celebrations of the Day of the Region, open to the population, continue with the traditional lunch of the Sopas in Honor of the Divine Holy Spirit, which will be served in the tent next to the Marina of Praia da Vitória, accompanied by the performance of the Filarmónica União Praiense.

Open day in Horta

Also, this Monday, the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA) is marking the Day of the Region with the “Azorean Parliament Open Doors” initiative, inviting the public to visit its institutional spaces in the city of Horta.

Between 2pm and 5pm, the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly, the Parliament Museum, and the Cedars House jars will be open to the public. The program includes guided tours of the headquarters, providing visitors with the opportunity to see the emblematic Plenary Room, where parliamentary sessions are held.

The public will also be able to explore the Parliament Museum, dedicated to preserving and disseminating the history of autonomy and Azorean parliamentarianism, as well as the Gardens of the Official Residence of the President of the Legislative Assembly, the Cedars House.

As part of the celebrations for the Day of the Region, this initiative aims to strengthen the link between citizens and the autonomous institutions, promoting knowledge and appreciation of the political, cultural, and historical heritage of the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Filipe Torres is a Journalist for Atlantico Expresso, Natalino Viveiros-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.