Parade and performances by groups in the historic center

Angra do Heroísmo celebrated Three Kings’ Day last Sunday with the Cantar os Reis (Singing to the Kings) initiative, promoted by the city council as part of its Christmas program.

The celebration included a parade of 17 groups along Rua da Sé, followed by performances in Praça Velha.

Participants included the Grupo Folclórico das Doze Ribeiras, Grupo Folclórico Modas da Nossa Terra, Grupo de Baile da Canção Regional Terceirense, Grupo de Reis do Raminho, Amigos do Porto Judeu, Grupo de Violas de Santa Bárbara, Rancho do Palheiro, Filarmónica União Praiense, Baile D’Elas, Rancho das Pequenas da Fonte do Bastardo, Grupo de Reis da Fonte do Bastardo, Grupo de Reis da Agualva, Grupo Folclórico Doce Esperança, Grupo de Reis do Cabo da Praia, Grupo de Reis da Vila Nova, Os d’Improviso, and Grupo de Reis da Ribeirinha.

In a note, the Angra City Council states that “Cantar os Reis, associated with Epiphany, is a traditional expression of great historical and social significance, passed down from generation to generation, which strengthens community ties and keeps the collective memory of the municipality alive.”

“It is with great satisfaction that Angra welcomes and promotes this tradition, which is a moment of celebration of our cultural identity and a particularly rich and symbolic expression of our Christmas program,” emphasized the mayor of Angra, Fátima Amorim.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.