Pico Island
HISTORY
After cattle had been introduced to the island in the first half of the 15th century, settlers from the north of Portugal began to arrive in about 1460, after landing in Terceira and Graciosa.
The first Captain Donatory was Álvaro de Ornelas, who never took effective possession of the island, leading to its incorporation into the Captaincy of Faial. The first town was soon established in Lajes, followed by S. Roque in 1542. The population concentrated initially on the cultivation of wheat and, influenced by the neighbouring island of Faial, a limited amount of harvesting of woad, a plant exported to Flanders for use in dyeing, but soon supplemented these activities with wine-growing and fishing. This was followed by a lengthy period of time in which the island lived practically on the margins of history, interrupted by major volcanic eruptions in the 18th century. In 1723 Madalena was granted the status of a town, confirming its economic importance as a connecting port for Faial and main trading centre, in addition to being a residential area for the owners of the vast local vineyards, in an area which, by then, had become a wine producing region.
By dint of hard work the lava beds were turned into orchards and vineyards. The Pico Verdelho wine was internationally famous for over two hundred years and was enjoyed in many different countries, specially England, the Americas and Russia, where it was delivered to the tables of the Tsars.
An attack of oidium in the mid 19th century destroyed the vines. Recovery, based on replanting with new vines, proved slow.
The appearance of American whaling ships in the waters of the Azores since the end of the 18th century brought a new activity to the island – the hunting of the sperm whale – which, over the years became an important source of wealth.
GEOGRAPHY
The Island of Pico, which was formed around a 2351 metres volcano from which it takes its name, is oblong in shape. It is 42 km long and 15.2 km at its widest point, with a surface area of 447 km2. A plateau with secondary volcanic cones extends to the coast, ending in high cliffs, whilst the lower area to the west is gently sloping.
The island is located at latitude 28°20’ west and longitude 38°30’ north.
GASTRONOMY
Holy Spirit soup
Sausage with yams
"Molha de carne" (a meat dish)
Fish broth
Seafood
Rice pudding
Cheese
Wines
Brandy
Liqueurs
Corn cake
"Bolo de vésperas" (festival cake)
"Rosquilhas" (cakes)
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.
Place: Throughout the archipelago
Date: May to September and in particular the 7th Sunday after Easter
Event organisation: The Holy Spirit Brotherhoods
THE FESTIVAL OF "SANTA MARIA MADALENA"
A religious and secular festival in honour of the patron saint of the municipality, which also includes concerts and sporting and cultural events.
Place: Madalena
Date: 20 to 23 July
Event organisation: Festival committee
WHALER'S WEEK
A festival dedicated to whaling, which was one of the main economic activities in the Azores for many years. The celebrations pay tribute to all who were involved in this work.
Place: Lajes
Date: 20 to 26 August
Event organisation: Festival committee
"CAIS DE AGOSTO"
An event which takes place during the last week-end of July, in which the main attractions are the musical groups from mainland Portugal, together with the daytime sports competitions and craft and trade exhibitions.
Place: São Roque
Date: 26 to 29 July
Event organisation: Festival committee
THE FESTIVAL OF "BOM JESUS MILAGROSO"
A very important religious festival, particularly for the central group of islands, which takes place in the S. Mateus do Pico Sanctuary and lasts for three days. The image of "Senhor Bom Jesus Milagroso" is worshipped by thousands of pilgrims who come from all over the archipelago, as well as many emigrants who go there to fulfil their promises.
Place: São Mateus
Date: 6 August
Event organisation: Festival committee
HARVEST FESTIVAL
An event associated with the grape harvest and the subsequent production of wine.
Place: The entire island
Date: September
Event organisation: Festival committees
PLACES TO VISIT
THE TOWN OF LAJES
As the centre of the whaling tradition, the town of Lajes boasts a number of old houses and verandas bearing witness to its wealthy past. Here you may visit the Whalers' Museum, an important institution in the town, which recounts the history of whaling.
PICO MOUNTAIN
A majestic 2.351 m volcano which dominates the island, crowned by Pico Grande, a rounded crater with a perimeter of approximately 700 m and a depth of 30 m. To the edge of the crater lies its summit, Piquinho or Pico Pequeno, a volcanic cone which rises approximately 70 m and has fumeroles at its base. It is possible to climb Pico, if accompanied by a local guide.
