Haja Saúde! (May We Have Health)
Praia da Vitória is my home. It is where I grew up, where my memories first took root, and where, each new day, I find fresh reasons to remain, to belong, and to continue shaping the future. To me, it is the finest place in the world to live.
The Festas da Praia are among the defining moments in the life of our municipality. They are days of reunion, of celebrating our shared history, our enduring traditions, and the identity that binds us together. This year, we chose to pay tribute to our ten parishes and our town, honoring everything that makes Praia da Vitória truly exceptional: its distinctive architecture, its living traditions, the embrace of the sea, the beauty of its landscapes, and, above all, its people.
For it is in our people that we discover the qualities that define this place: resilience, generosity, hospitality, a steadfast work ethic, solidarity, and an unmistakable joy of living. Each parish and the town itself, with its unique history, heritage, and community, enriches the tapestry of our collective identity, helping to shape a municipality that cherishes its roots while looking confidently toward tomorrow.
The Festas da Praia are also a welcoming invitation to Terceira Island, to the Azores, and to all who journey here. We receive every visitor with open arms, with the authenticity and warmth for which we are known, sharing the very best of our culture, our cuisine, our music, and the traditions that continue to define who we are.
I warmly invite everyone to come in, to feel at home, and to enjoy a program prepared with dedication, commitment, and heartfelt care by all those whose tireless work transforms these festivities into a celebration of community, friendship, and shared belonging.
May these days be lived in joy, companionship, and a true spirit of togetherness. May every gathering strengthen the bonds that unite us and leave every visitor with the desire to return.
Because it is this land that gives us purpose. Because it is these people who make us one.
Welcome to the Festas da Praia!
César Leandro da Costa Toste
General Coordinator
Festas da Praia da Vitória 2026
Dear Readers,
For ten days, Praia da Vitória adorns itself in celebration, honoring its history, its culture, and its identity.
More than a festive program, these celebrations embody an intangible cultural heritage shaped across generations—a living legacy where traditions, memories, artistic expression, and the active participation of the community come together in a remarkable tapestry.
Their enduring significance lies in their ability to bring together diverse perspectives and cultural expressions, celebrating the distinctive character of each parish while nurturing a profound sense of unity around a shared identity.
The richness of the program, where tradition and innovation exist side by side, allows residents, emigrants, descendants, and visitors alike to take part in a celebration that transcends geographical boundaries and strengthens the enduring bonds of affection that connect us to our homeland.
It is only fitting to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who, over many months, devoted their time, talent, and dedication so that, throughout these ten days, we may celebrate our parishes and our town with joy, pride, and genuine emotion.
To César Toste and his entire team, who embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, my sincere thanks for your commitment, dedication, and evident passion in bringing this remarkable program to life. My gratitude also extends to Ana Paula Felix, as well as to every volunteer and sponsor who joins us in making this celebration possible.
To the employees of the Municipal Council and of Praia Ambiente, thank you for yet another year of extraordinary effort, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our greatest celebration. You are the foundation upon which these festivities stand—the unseen hands and the quiet faces whose work ensures that everything comes together.
It is both a privilege and a pleasure to share these moments with all of you.
And to everyone who visits us and celebrates Praia da Vitória alongside us, I hope the memories you create here will endure for years to come and that you will become ambassadors for our city and our municipality wherever life may take you.
To one and all, I wish you a wonderful and unforgettable Festas da Praia 2026.
Paula Cristina Borges de Sousa
Councillor for Culture
Municipal Council of Praia da Vitória