Among the factors that make it difficult for young couples to settle in the parish, access to housing is a primary obstacle. The president of the civil parish council states that, “for financial reasons,” young people face difficulties in obtaining bank loans due to the current requirements imposed by the sector. He adds that the supply of permanent housing is limited, which has contributed to the departure of working-age residents.

With a population of 1,552 inhabitants spread over 39.55 square kilometers, according to the 2021 census, Santa Cruz das Flores is the most populous parish on the island of Flores and the seat of the municipality of the same name. The island’s main administrative, health, and educational services are concentrated here, as well as the airport, health center, secondary school, court, and most of the small local businesses. According to Antero Sousa, president of the parish council since 2021, the parish faces several constraints, especially those directly related to its double insularity: a loss of young population, housing shortages, labor shortages, and limited air and sea connections.

The urban layout of the parish dates back to the 16th century, when the Franciscans founded the Convent of São Boaventura, structuring the religious, educational, and social life of the village. For centuries, the building was used to teach reading and Latin grammar and was later converted into a hospital. Today, it houses the Flower Museum and, together with the Parish Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the former Boqueirão Whale Factory (converted into a museum center), the natural pools on the coast, and the Luís Paulo Camacho Park; it is one of the main heritage and tourist attractions in the parish.

The president of the Civil Parish (Presidente da Junta de Freguesia) acknowledges that tourism is “significant” in Santa Cruz, but points to the lack of traditional hotel infrastructure as one of the main obstacles to the sector’s consolidation. The increase in the number of local accommodation units, which has been the dominant trend on the island, has not been able to meet the more structured demand, especially during the busiest periods.

On the other hand, the tourism growth has been accompanied by a reverse phenomenon in terms of demographics. The population of Santa Cruz is aging, and although the mayor admits that he does not have exact data on the percentage of elderly people, the 2021 census confirms that the number of residents over 65 exceeds 17 percent, while the young population (under 15) represents about 13 percent. The net migration of young people is negative, with many families moving abroad due to a lack of opportunities in the parish. Since 2011, Santa Cruz has lost 173 residents.

Among the factors that make it difficult for young couples to settle in the parish, access to housing is a primary obstacle. The president of the parish council states that, “for financial reasons,” young people face difficulties in obtaining bank loans due to the current requirements imposed by the sector. He adds that the supply of permanent housing is limited, which has contributed to the departure of working-age residents.

The lack of labor is another structural problem. According to the mayor, the parish has to hire private companies to carry out tasks that, under other circumstances, could be performed directly. The mayor also warns of the insufficient funds available to manage the parish throughout the year. The costs of external labor and the need to respond to essential tasks put additional pressure on the parish council’s budget.

According to Antero Sousa, the double insularity reinforces the vulnerability of the parish, especially regarding transport between islands, which is subject to seasonality and irregular connections —a limitation that affects the mobility of residents, the supply of essential goods, and the response of services in emergency situations. It also affects tourism.

Despite this, the mayor states that “there is no lack of essential infrastructure” in the parish. However, he acknowledges that the agricultural roads are only in “reasonable condition” and that more need to be built. The maintenance of these access roads, which are essential for local farming and livestock activity, has been ensured with the available resources, but not always promptly.

In terms of culture and community life, the parish has a calendar of traditional events, such as the Festas do Espírito Santo (Holy Spirit Festival), the Festa da Freguesia (Parish Festival, held on the first Sunday in August), and the Festa do Cais das Poças (Cais das Poças Festival). In the sports area, the Morro Alto association occasionally organizes activities targeted at the younger population. Even so, cultural and recreational activities are sporadic and depend largely on the voluntary work of local associations.

When asked about the position he has held since 2021, the mayor said: “I take a positive view, but I would like to end this term with my projects completed. However, due to the instability of the government, I don’t know if this will be possible, because some of this parish’s applications have been carried over to next year.” Despite the difficulties, he confirms that he will run for re-election in the next elections, to continue the work started by his executive.

Among the areas with potential for development, he highlights the commercial and tourism sectors, provided they are accompanied by public and private investment. For the mayor, combating desertification is a priority and depends on job creation, improved transport, the enhancement of natural and built heritage, and, “above all, the creation of more opportunities for young people,” he concluded.

Danila Canha is a journalist for Correio dos Açores, under the direction of Natalino Viveiros.

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.