Events in Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada Carnival
February/March
If you’d rather not get wet, then give Ponta Delgada a very wide berth at carnival time. Crazed water fights, called batalhas das limas, erupt all over town. These are accompanied by flamboyant parades, music and dancing at this lively event.
SATA Rally Azores
April
The grunts of finely tuned engines and crunch of wheels on gravel tracks fill the air in April, when the FIA European Rally Championship comes to town. Pre-rally events include a show and team presentations, before thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer on the competitors.
Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo
April/May
Religious events dominate in the Azores, and this is the biggest of the bunch. A procession along the flower-strewn streets and balconies of Ponta Delgada is accompanied by stalls, fairground attractions, illuminations and high jinks.
St Peter's Cavalcades
29 June
The nearby town of Ribeira Seca is transported back to medieval times, with a convoy consisting of a king and knights galloping through the streets. The procession, which honours St Peter, ends at São Pedro Church.
ASP Azores Islands Pro
September
The world’s top surfers take to their boards on Praia de Santa Bárbara, a short drive north of Ponta Delgada, to compete in this acclaimed international competition.