The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Angra do Heroísmo (CCIAH), in partnership with the Brotherhood of Alcatra of Terceira Island, is promoting the Alcatra Festival, an initiative aimed at celebrating and preserving one of the island’s most iconic traditional dishes.

Supported by the municipalities of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória, the event’s primary goal is to promote the Alcatra of Terceira Island—an essential element of the island’s cultural identity—by encouraging local restaurants to maintain and showcase its traditional preparation. More than a competition, the festival seeks to highlight establishments that continue to uphold the authenticity of this historic dish.

The Alcatra Festival will unfold in two distinct phases. The first is a training workshop scheduled for April 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the culinary auditorium of the Professional School of Praia da Vitória. Titled “Alcatra of Terceira Island – Gastronomy, History, and Tourism,” the workshop will bring together experts and professionals from various fields for a comprehensive exploration of the dish.

The program includes a session on traditional cooking techniques, featuring contributions from the Brotherhood of Alcatra, potter Ricardo Simas, and historian Carla Devesa. Discussions will range from the preparation of the traditional clay pot (alguidar) to variations of the recipe and the importance of high-quality ingredients.

The event will also include a reflection on Alcatra’s role as a tourism product, led by journalist Amílcar Malhó, and will conclude with a practical session conducted by chef Pedro Oliveira. This final segment will focus on the creative use of leftovers—from both Alcatra and massa sovada (a traditional sweet bread)—encouraging sustainable innovation in the restaurant industry.

Participation in the workshop is considered particularly valuable, as it will be one of the criteria for prioritizing restaurants in the festival’s public promotion.

The second phase of the Alcatra Festival will take place from April 24 to May 10, involving restaurants across Terceira Island. Participating establishments are expected to prepare and serve Alcatra according to traditional methods throughout the event—and ideally year-round. Participation is free and open to all island restaurants upon completion of the registration form provided by the CCIAH.

Through this initiative, CCIAH, the Brotherhood of Alcatra of Terceira Island, and the municipalities of Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória reaffirm their commitment to preserving and promoting the island’s rich culinary heritage, positioning Alcatra as a true symbol of Azorean culture.

In Diário dos Açores – Paulo Viveiros, 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.