Municipality of Lajes das Flores Hosts Bolo-Rei Workshop Celebrating Tradition and Community

The Município de Lajes das Flores hosted a Bolo-Rei Workshop on December 18 at the Lajes das Flores Business Incubator, led by pastry maker Jacinta Mota. The initiative brought together members of the local community in a shared moment of learning, conviviality, and celebration rooted in Christmas tradition.

The Bolo-Rei—King Cake—holds a special place in Portuguese and Azorean festive culture. Introduced to Portugal in the late 19th century and gradually adapted to local tastes and island realities, it became an essential symbol of the Christmas season and the Epiphany. Rich in dried fruits, nuts, and citrus aromas, the cake evokes abundance, sharing, and the ritual of gathering around the table. In the Azores, its preparation often carries added meaning, blending mainland influences with insular customs and reinforcing the importance of homemade confectionery as an expression of care, memory, and continuity.

Through this workshop, participants were able not only to learn the technical aspects of preparing Bolo-Rei, but also to reconnect with a culinary tradition passed down through generations—one that transforms baking into an act of cultural transmission and collective identity.

The Municipality of Lajes das Flores expressed its gratitude to Jacinta Mota for her availability and generosity in sharing her knowledge, and to all participants for their presence and active involvement. The initiative reaffirms the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to promoting activities that honor local culture, preserve traditional knowledge, and strengthen community bonds—especially during the festive season, when shared rituals acquire renewed meaning and warmth.

Adapted from a Press Release

Pictures from the Municipality of Lajes, Flores