The city of Lagoa, on São Miguel Island, will once again uphold a cherished tradition on January 31 with the 16th edition of Cantar às Estrelas. Organized by the municipal government in partnership with the parish church, this year’s event brings together 19 groups, including local associations and guest ensembles from neighboring municipalities.

Participants will gather at 8:00 p.m. outside City Hall, where each group will offer an opening performance. The evening then unfolds with the customary procession through Lagoa’s streets, culminating at the Igreja Matriz de Santa Cruz for the final musical presentations.

According to a press release from the municipality, this edition stands out for the strong engagement of Lagoa’s civic and cultural organizations. Among those taking part are the philharmonic societies Sociedade Filarmónica Estrela d’Alva, Lira do Rosário, and Fraternidade Rural de Água de Pau. The program also features CATL – O Borbas; the integrated basic schools of Lagoa and Água de Pau; the Associação Musical de Lagoa; Grujola; and several traditional singing groups from the parishes of Santa Cruz, Rosário, Cabouco, and Água de Pau. Joining them are the invited groups Vozes do Mar do Norte, from Ribeira Grande, and Vozes da Vila, from Vila Franca do Campo.

The event is part of the celebrations marking the 139th anniversary of the Sociedade Filarmónica Estrela d’Alva and the festivities honoring its patron saint, while also serving as the closing moment of the Christmas season. The program in Santa Cruz begins on January 28 with the opening of the decorated “quarto” at the philharmonic’s headquarters and a candlelight procession to the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Cabo. Ahead of the Estrelas highlight on Friday, January 30, the parish church will host a concert by the Sociedade Filarmónica Estrela d’Alva at 8:30 p.m. The celebrations conclude on Sunday, February 1, with a Mass and a solemn procession in honor of Our Lady of the Star.

In Diário da Lagoa, Clife Botelho-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.