“The Sanjoaninas are a living expression of Terceira’s identity.“

What made you accept the invitation to be Queen of the Sanjoaninas 2025? Was it a position you ever imagined yourself in?

I accepted the invitation with great honor, emotion, and a sense of responsibility. Being Queen of the Sanjoaninas is something I never imagined would happen, but I have always admired it. When I received the invitation, I felt it was a unique opportunity to represent my island, my generation, and a tradition that unites us all.

What does being the face of the Sanjoaninas mean to you?

Being the face of the Sanjoaninas is an honor that I carry with great respect, as well as joy and gratitude. It is a symbol of trust, tradition, and representation. It means being at the forefront of something that goes far beyond me: a festival that belongs to everyone, made possible by the contribution and passion of an entire community. I feel like a small part of something much bigger—a rich and vibrant tradition that spans time with soul and color. Being the Queen is giving a face to that spirit, welcoming everyone with a smile, carrying our Island of Love in my heart, and showing the world the most beautiful things we have.

On the day the royal entourage was presented, I said that the Sanjoaninas are “much more than just celebrations.” What do the Sanjoaninas mean to you?

The Sanjoaninas are a living expression of Terceira’s identity. They are a mirror of our identity, our contagious joy, our ability to welcome and unite around tradition. More than a calendar of events, they are a living expression of who we are as a people: passionate about our roots, proud of our culture, and always ready to celebrate life with enthusiasm and heart. It is a time when the island vibrates with intensity and where everyone, residents and emigrants alike, feels at home. This year, with the theme “Island of Love,” it makes even more sense to remember that these festivities are also an act of love—for history, art, music… There is a poetry all its own in the Sanjoaninas, which spans generations and continues to thrill those who live here and those who visit us. So yes, they are much more than just festivities. They are a celebration of our essence. They are reunions, memories, and emotions. And, ultimately, they are also a symbol of what unites us—as an island, as a community, and as a family.

What are your fondest memories of the festivities?

I cherish the nights of parades, when the city is filled with color and joy, as well as the simpler moments: reunions with friends, laughter in taverns, concerts, and the illuminated streets.

How has it been to experience the festivities from the other side this time? Are you anxious for the night of the parade to arrive?

Experiencing the festivities from this new perspective gives me a deeper understanding of what the Sanjoaninas truly are, as well as of all the work involved in ensuring everything runs smoothly. There is enthusiasm, preparation, and teamwork. And yes, I confess that there is some anxiety about the night of the parade, we always want to give our best.

Do young people maintain a strong connection to these festivities? Do you believe that the Sanjoaninas have a secure future?

I believe so. Young people continue to participate, whether as volunteers, extras, musicians, or simply as part of the audience. The Sanjoaninas are a living heritage that adapts to the times without losing its essence. It is up to all of us to ensure that this flame continues to burn.

As a representative of young people, what do you think are the primary concerns of young people in Terceira?

I believe many young people are concerned about their professional future and the quality of their lives. But I also see a youth who is attentive, creative, and willing to contribute to a more dynamic and sustainable Terceira.

You are a medical student. What led you to choose this course? Do you plan to return to the island when you graduate?

I chose medicine because it has always been the field I liked best and because I want to feel that I can have a positive impact on society. As for the future, I would like to return to Terceira—it is my home and where I feel good—but I know that I still have a long way to go and that, over time, our ideas and plans may also change.

What made you accept the invitation to be Queen of the Sanjoaninas 2025? Was it a position you ever imagined yourself in?

I accepted the invitation with great honor, emotion, and a sense of responsibility. Being Queen of the Sanjoaninas is something I never imagined in concrete terms, but I have always admired it. When I received the invitation, I felt it was a unique opportunity to represent my island, my generation, and a tradition that unites us all.

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.