Terra Chã, an inland parish in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, was elevated to parish status on September 6, 1825, and currently has about 2,888 inhabitants. Bruno Fagundes, president of the Parish Council since 2021, points out as main concerns the decline in population, the marked demographic aging, the lack of housing, and the urgent need for a nursing home. He also mentions the lack of support infrastructure for families, such as an after-school program with extended hours, a situation which, combined with the departure of young people and the poor integration of new residents, has led to a loss of social and community dynamics. The mayor also warns of the persistence of problems related to addiction, associated with a social stigma that, according to the president, requires networking and a continuous response. This year, the parish celebrates 200 years since its elevation, between September 5 and 7, with several initiatives, including the launch of the book ‘Viagem Sentimental’ (Sentimental Journey), a tribute to local history, and a concert by the Tibério Franco Choir and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Sociedade Musical Recreio da Terra Chã.

Correio dos Açores – How would you describe Terra Chã?

Bruno Fagundes (President of the Terra Chã Civil Parish Council) – Terra Chã is one of the few Azorean parishes considered to be inland, as its territory does not border the island’s coast. Although it is still considered a rural parish, the traces of rurality are disappearing as the parish’s economy is increasingly based on professional activities carried out mainly outside the parish, partly due to its proximity to the city center of Angra do Heroísmo. Terra Chã was elevated to parish status on September 6, 1825. It is a parish with a total area of approximately 10.48 km², whose population increased significantly after the 1980 earthquake, with the installation of social housing for the displaced. It currently has 2,888 inhabitants, according to the 2021 census.

Known as the parish of farms, Terra Chã was long recognized for its production of oranges and chestnuts, and is still known today as the “parish of oranges” or the “parish of chestnuts.” In addition, the bull business gained significant momentum in the early decades of the 20th century, primarily due to the importance the Corvelo family, based in Solar dos Corvelos, in the parish of Terra Chã, held in breeding fighting bulls for bullfighting. With the globalization of the economy, as already mentioned, the areas of activity that were fundamental to the economy of Terra Chã began to give way to professional activity outside the parish. For many years, Terra Chã was home to the Angra do Heroísmo campus of the University of the Azores, a building where Terinov currently operates, which also contributes to the movement of the parish.

What are the main challenges, needs, and difficulties facing the parish?

The civil parish currently faces several structural and social challenges. One of the most striking aspects is the population decline, associated with a marked demographic aging, as indicated by an aging index of 94.68, according to the latest census. This requires concrete responses for the well-being of the elderly population and for creating conditions that encourage young people to settle there.

The shortage of housing, combined with high local real estate prices, is a significant obstacle to attracting new residents. This situation affects, for example, professionals who move to institutions such as TERINOV but are unable to settle in the parish. The lack of social housing further exacerbates this difficulty, limiting access to housing for low-income families. In this regard, there is a clear need for greater participation by the Civil Parish Council in decision-making processes. Due to its proximity to the population and knowledge of the territory, the Council should be listened to more actively in the definition of public policies tailored to real local needs.

In addition, Terra Chã is gradually becoming a dormitory parish, which weakens its social and cultural life. There is a growing difficulty in maintaining traditions and revitalizing local institutions, as many young people leave the civil parish, and the elderly, already tired, are unable to continue their associative and community work. At the same time, many of the new residents do not develop a sense of belonging, which is reflected in lower civic and community participation.

Are the funds available sufficient to manage the parish throughout the year?

The funds available are never, in themselves, entirely sufficient to meet all the civil parish’s needs. There is always more to be done, projects that remain unfinished, and areas where we would like to invest more. However, thanks to efficient, rigorous, and responsible management, and with the support of government entities, we have been able to ensure the daily functioning of the Parish Council. It is also important to note that, in recent years, the Civil Parish Council of Terra Chã has had positive balances, which gives us some peace of mind and demonstrates our commitment to the sustainable management of public resources.

How big is tourism in the parish? Is the number of local accommodations increasing?

Despite the significant growth of tourism on the island, the civil parish of Terra Chã, being a more inland area and lacking the sea’s attractiveness, has not felt as significant an impact from tourism as other locations. Even so, there has been a gradual increase in the number of local accommodations.

Some owners have invested in restoring dilapidated houses to adapt them to this type of offer. This effort, in addition to accommodating visitors, also has a positive impact on the parish’s image by rehabilitating and giving new life to vacant properties. Over the years, the parish has struggled with the problem of drug addiction. Have you noticed any improvements in this regard?

Unfortunately, problems related to drug addiction have persisted over time, not only in the parish of Terra Chã, but throughout the island. Our parish, like others with social housing, often ends up being almost automatically associated with these situations, which reveals some prejudice and contributes to the social stigma that still exists around these communities.

It is undeniable that this is, and should continue to be, a constant concern. The Terra Chã Parish Council remains attentive and available to collaborate with other entities and institutions in the development of initiatives that promote prevention, support for families, and the rehabilitation of people affected by these issues. We believe that only through networking and a continuous and humanized approach will it be possible to promote lasting improvements in this field.

What support is available for the elderly population in the parish? Are there any initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly?

As mentioned above, the aging of the population makes it increasingly necessary to adopt measures to improve the quality of life of the elderly population. In this regard, the parish of Terra Chã currently has a pro-senior gymnastics program at the parish council to provide physical activity for the elderly. Additionally, the Terra Chã community center features a social center.

However, these solutions are not sufficient. There is an urgent need to establish a nursing home in the parish, which should also include day center facilities. There is an increasing number of elderly people living alone or with their children, who, for various reasons, are unable to care for their parents. A nursing home in the parish, where the elderly population could reside and socialize, would certainly be a great asset for everyone.

Is there a lack of any essential services or infrastructure in the parish? If so, which ones?

Yes, there are significant shortcomings in terms of services and infrastructure in the parish of Terra Chã. Firstly, there is the absence of a nursing home, as mentioned above. Another critical need is the renovation of the Terra Chã Housing Complex. This situation is more than a shortcoming; it is a real social emergency. In 2025, the Regional Government launched a tender for the construction of 48 new homes; however, the tender was unsuccessful, which represents yet another delay in resolving a problem that directly affects many families in the parish.

In addition, although the parish has an after-school program operating in its Community Center, this service has proven insufficient to meet the needs of families, especially in terms of support before and after school hours. The Community Center’s administrative body has repeatedly expressed its lack of human and financial resources, which makes it impossible to extend the ATL’s hours. This limitation leads many parents to seek alternatives outside the parish, opting for schools that offer this comprehensive support. This situation decreases children’s attendance and continuity at the Terra Chã school, weakening their ties to the local community.

The creation of an after-school program with extended hours, allowing parents to drop off their children in the morning and pick them up at the end of the day, also providing transportation to and from school, would be essential to strengthen support for families, promote the permanence of children in the parish, and reinforce their sense of belonging to Terra Chã. To this end, a joint effort will be necessary with the competent authorities to ensure the required support for the provision of adequate resources. It is crucial to continue collaborating with the competent authorities to ensure that these needs are finally addressed, thereby promoting improved living conditions for all residents.

What have been the main cultural promotion activities in the parish?

The main cultural promotion activities in the parish of Terra Chã are undoubtedly the Holy Spirit festivals and the summer festivals, organized with great commitment by the committees of the various empires existing in the parish. These committees work hard throughout the year to offer moments of great religious, cultural, and social significance to the population during their festivities.

This year, we are also celebrating a very special date: the 200th anniversary of the elevation of the parish of Terra Chã, with festivities taking place from September 5 to 7. I would like to take this opportunity to invite the entire population to participate in these unique moments. This is an important milestone in the history of our parish and, to mark it, we have prepared a series of initiatives, with a special focus on September 6, which will feature a formal session, during which the book ‘Viagem Sentimental’ (Sentimental Journey) will be launched, recording and paying tribute to the history of the parish and its people. This will be followed by a tribute to all the communities and institutions of Terra Chã, which, through the voluntary work and involvement of their members, continue to bring life and dynamism to our community, ensuring the participation of the population and the preservation of local identity.

After that, there will be a joint concert by the Tibério Franco Choir and the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Sociedade Musical Recreio da Terra Chã, both institutions in the parish of which we are very proud. Finally, refreshments will be available for everyone present, ensuring a convivial atmosphere between our residents and visitors.

Does Terra Chã have the potential for further development? Under what conditions and in what areas?

I believe that all the answers provided reflect Terra Chã’s potential for development. It is a parish located close to the city center, making it an appealing option. Terra Chã’s potential is real and comprehensive. Still, its growth will depend on investment in people, in the territory, and in creating conditions that will retain and attract the population, while respecting the identity of the parish.

Daniela Canha is a journalist for Correio dos Açores, and Natalino Viveiros is the 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.