Graciosa Island
HISTORY
The date of the discovery of the island is uncertain, although it was probably due to sailors from the neighbouring Island of Terceira. It is known, however, that it received cattle by order of Prince Henry the Navigator and that it already had settlers by the middle of the 15th century. Vasco Gil Sodré, of Montemor-o-Velho, accompanied by his family and servants was considered the pioneer and founder of the island. He built his house in Carapacho, where he first landed. Despite the efforts of Vasco Gil Sodré to become Donatory of the island, which included the building of a customs house, the Captaincy of the northern part was given to Pedro Correia da Cunha, brother-in-law of the wife of Christopher Columbus, and that of the southern part to Duarte de Barreto.
The rising population which, according to some historians, had come from the Beiras and Minho regions of Portugal and from Flanders, together with its prosperity, led to Santa Cruz being granted a town charter in 1486, followed by Praia in 1546. The names of the great families who contributed towards settlement and development on the island are still found today amongst the island's residents. Devoting its energies to agriculture and viniculture from the very outset, Graciosa was already exporting wheat, barley, wine and brandy by the 16th century.
Developing a predominantly agricultural economy and trading with Terceira, which had a port used by large ships and was the economic and administrative centre, Graciosa suffered from pirate attacks and plundering in the 16th and 17th centuries.
GEOGRAPHY
The oval-shaped island of Graciosa has an area of 61 km2 and is 12.5 km long and 8.5 km at its widest point. Low-lying and flat in the northern and north-eastern areas, it rises gradually to an altitude of 398 m at Pico Timão in the central area.
It is located at longitude 28°05’ west and latitude 39°05’ north.
GASTRONOMY
Fish stew
Seafood
Cheeses
Sweets
Wines
Brandy
Aperitifs
FESTIVALS
THE HOLY SPIRIT FESTIVAL
This festival is celebrated on all the islands although it varies in detail from one to another and even within different areas of the islands themselves. All the parishes in each island have a chapel, known as an "Império" (empire), with its own brotherhood. These are considered the most typical in the islands' tradition of religious festivals.
Location: Throughout the archipelago
Date: May to September and in particular the 7th Sunday after Easter
Event organisation: The Holy Spirit Brotherhoods
THE GRACIOSA CARNIVAL
An event organised by various local groups consisting mainly of a parade by groups dressed in carnival costumes and dancing.
Location: Island of Graciosa
Date: Carnival week
Event organisation: Festival committee
THE "SENHOR SANTO CRISTO DOS MILAGRES" FESTIVAL
In addition to its religious aspects, the "Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres" festival also includes a series of popular events including musical shows featuring folk groups, amongst others.
Location: Island of Graciosa
Date: 8 August
Event organisation: Festival committee
PLACES TO VISIT
THE TOWN OF SANTA CRUZ
An attractive place with old style houses that take the visitor back in time. Two water tanks in the centre of the town, formerly used for animals, now reflect the araucaria trees growing around them, making an attractive scene.
CALDEIRA
A volcanic caldera in the east of the island provides excellent leisure-time opportunities, ranging from the panoramic views from its exterior to the sheltered beauty of the reserve inside the vast crater where the "Enxofre" cavern can be found, a rare volcanic phenomenon and the only geological example of its kind in the world.
