The Municipality of Lajes das Flores has given a positive assessment of the 38th edition of the Emigrant Festival, which took place between July 18 and 21, 2025, and which continues to assert itself as the largest festival in the municipality, bringing together cultural, religious, sporting, and economic activities, with the participation of residents and emigrants, and their descendents.

This year, the local authority promoted a redevelopment and reorganization of the Emigrant Festival site on Flores Island, Azores, to improve conditions for traders, residents, and visitors. The work included the erection of support structures, the permanent installation of electricity, lighting, and sound systems, as well as the creation of a new water and sewage network. These improvements have created more suitable conditions for setting up tents and kiosks.

The consolidation of two distinct areas within the site and the reorganization of the spaces also made it possible to relocate the Economic Activities Fair to a more central location that is better integrated into the festival, contributing to a greater influx of visitors and greater visibility for the products and services presented by the participants. The fair remained a commitment of the municipality to promoting entrepreneurship and enhancing the local economy.

The 2025 edition was also marked by the presence of a delegation from the sister city of Stoughton, in the United States. During the event, the flag of Stoughton was raised, and a proclamation was signed between representatives of Stoughton and Lajes das Flores, following the twinning established between the sister cities. The municipality also marked, in the presence of the delegation from the diaspora, the symbolic reactivation of the “Monument to the Emigrant,” in homage to the emigrant communities who, even though they live far away, remain connected to the municipality.

Sunday was a day dedicated to faith and religious traditions, with the traditional Procession of the Holy Spirit, with the participation of the Holy Spirit Houses of the municipality and the delegation from Stoughton, followed by a solemn mass at the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário and the traditional Bodo de Leite, animated by the São Brás Folkloric Group from Terceira Island, with the collaboration of the Lajense Cultural Association.

The cultural program included the opening of the photographic exhibition by Father José Alves Trigueiro, a musical performance by the Lions Clube das Flores – Pérola do Ocidente choir, the parade of the Official March of the Emigrant Festival, and the March of the “Fadoalado” from Terceira Island, and a performance by TUCA – Tuna Universitária Corsários dos Açores. The musical lineup featured local bands K7 Pirata, Pop Stars, Full Kords, the band Airborn the band, and well-known names on the national and international scene, such as Tony Carreira, José Malhoa, Némanus, P*ta da Loucura, as well as DJ sets by DJ Mois3s, DJ Tiago C, DJ New House, and DJ John C.

There was also space for sporting activities, such as a volleyball tournament, a veterans’ football match, and nautical events organized by the Clube Naval das Lajes das Flores, such as the Open Day for sea canoeing and whale watching trips, as well as children’s entertainment in the “children’s area” and a presentation by the Escolinha de Patinagem (Skating School) in the municipal pavilion.

The festivities ended with the municipal holiday ceremony, held in the Noble Hall of the Town Hall, where honorary insignia were awarded to the village of Cuada, the Association of Friends of the Island of Flores, and Father José Alves Trigueiro, posthumously. The book “Sobre Toponímia do Concelho de Lajes das Flores” (On the Toponymy of the Municipality of Lajes das Flores), by António Maria Gonçalves, was also launched. After the ceremony, there were performances by the Banda Harmonia Mosteirense, with tenor Carlos Guilherme.

The municipality of Lajes das Flores emphasizes that the Emigrant Festival continues to play an important role in promoting local traditions, boosting the economy, and maintaining ties with emigrant communities, providing a space for people who live in the municipality and those who return temporarily to their roots to meet and share experiences.

From Press Release

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.

a few other pictures of the event–Festa do Emigrante–below the Luso-Financial info…