Dear Faialenses and friends of Faial Island, On July 4, Horta, our City by the Sea, celebrates 192 years since its elevation from village to city—a historic milestone that reaffirms the importance of our land in the heart of the Atlantic, in the Azores archipelago, and beyond. More than five centuries after its elevation to town, Horta remains timeless, deeply connected to the sea and guided by an unrelenting desire for progress. Today, we are a city that is growing in a balanced way, preserving its roots, honoring its heritage, and clearly committed to a sustainable, environmentally responsible, and socially just future. We are proud of the path we are building. A path based on improving the quality of life, strengthening social responses, and developing infrastructure that is fundamental for the future of our municipality. In housing, we are responding to one of the greatest challenges of our time: ensuring dignity and quality of life for families on Faial. Of particular note are the works on Rua de São João, Rua de Jesus, and Rua das Canadinhas, which will bring new homes and opportunities for those who choose to live and put down roots in Faial. In education, a true social elevator, we are investing in the future, certain that knowledge is the basis for development and social cohesion.

With the Azores 2030 Program and municipal investment, the municipality’s schools will undergo renovation and expansion, providing more modern and welcoming spaces. This effort is integrated with the construction of the new university residence and the teaching of the last two years of the degree in Ocean Sciences on the Horta campus, reinforcing Horta as a city of science and the sea. Because investing in education is sowing the seeds for Faial’s future. Progress is also being made through the modernization of infrastructure. We are continuing with the construction of the second phase of the bypass by the government, as well as the development of the Algar-Courelas axis. These projects connect territories and bring communities closer together. The revision of the Municipal Master Plan is being implemented, a crucial step to ensure orderly, balanced, and sustainable growth that respects the identity of our parishes. More than just a geographical center, Horta is a world city with a vibrant Atlantic tradition that is reflected in its international relations and the spirit of openness that characterizes us. We maintain strong ties with our sister cities—New Bedford and Fremont in the United States, and Porto Alegre and Gravataí in Brazil—which bring us closer together culturally, socially, and institutionally.

This year, we celebrate with particular enthusiasm the 13th International Whaling Boat Regatta and, for the first time, the Friendship Race in whaling boats, which will take place in Horta and will be attended by a delegation from New Bedford, reinforcing the historical and emotional ties that unite our communities across the sea. What truly sets us apart is our people. The dynamism of our associations, our cosmopolitan hospitality, the strength of our companies, our capacity for work, our resilience, and the spirit of solidarity of the people of Faial. It is with this collective energy that we face challenges and build the future.

On this 192nd anniversary, Horta and Faial renew their invitation to everyone: come celebrate with us and make the present and future of our city. Long live Horta! Long live Faial, our beloved blue island!

In Tribuna das Ilhas- Susana Garcia, diretora

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.