The Senior Carnaval on the island of Terceira for 2026 will feature twelve groups performing across community halls throughout Terceira Island on the weekends of January 24–25, January 31–February 1, and February 7–8, according to a statement from the Angra do Heroísmo City Hall, which highlights the event as a series of “fun and creative intergenerational moments.”

The participating groups represent different communities across the island and present a wide range of themes—from humor and social commentary to family relationships and everyday community life. Together, they reflect what the municipality describes as the irreverent and creative spirit of Terceira’s Carnaval tradition.

Groups come from Casa da Ribeira, Agualva, Santa Luzia, Vila Nova, Santa Casa da Misericórdia dos Altares, São Bento, Biscoitos, Altares, Santa Bárbara, São Sebastião, São Bartolomeu, and Lajes.

Performances will take place in numerous halls and social clubs across the island, including Santa Bárbara, Altares, Raminho, Serreta, Doze Ribeiras, Cinco Ribeiras, São Mateus, Terra Chã, São Pedro, São Bartolomeu, Recreio dos Artistas, Posto Santo, Sociedade Recreativa de São Bento, Ribeirinha, Feteira, Porto Judeu, Porto Martins, Fonte do Bastardo, Cabo da Praia, Casa da Ribeira, São Sebastião, the Ramo Grande Auditorium, Juncal, Santa Luzia, Fontinhas, São Brás, Sociedade Velha das Lajes, Vila Nova, Agualva, Quatro Ribeiras, and Biscoitos—where performances will be held in both parish halls.

According to the municipality, this extensive itinerary “reinforces cultural decentralization and community engagement,” ensuring that Carnival reaches audiences across the entire island rather than being confined to a single venue.

For the Angra do Heroísmo City Hall, the traditional Carnaval’s main stage will once again be the Teatro Angrense, which will host dances and bailinhos from February 14 to 17, starting at 4:00 p.m. The venue “continues to serve as the island’s reference hall for this celebration,” the statement notes.

“It is with great joy that the municipality supports this Terceiran tradition in all its forms,” said Fátima Amorim, president of the City Council of Angra do Heroísmo. “It is not only an important cultural expression, but one with a very significant impact on social and economic life. In the case of the Senior Carnaval, it is an excellent example of active aging, showing how our older residents continue to contribute positively to society.”

In Diário Insular-José Lourenço-director.

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.