Franco Alves – Winner of the first edition of the contest “Conquering the Azores”

“The trip to the Azores exceeded all my expectations. Obviously, I wasn’t disappointed at any time of the journey. The organization and punctuality were amazing, as well as all the places we visited.

When I talked about the Azores here in Brazil, I thought about the culture, dances and feasts. Fortunately, the programming gave us the possibility of knowing several aspects of this archipelago: education, tourism, substructures and industries. All these impressed me deeply, the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, which gathers scientists from all over the world, the University of the Azores and its computerized system, the first in Europe, and also the industries on S. Miguel Island.

When I thought about the archipelago I imagined the same cultural characteristics on all islands. However, I found out that each island has its own traditions, which make each one of them unique. I realized that even architecture has its own differences as, for instance, on Pico Island with a great number of basalt constructions. The accent is also different, especially on S. Miguel, reminding the French language.

Terceira Island has its own particularities, such as the great number of “Impérios” (a kind of small chapels) honouring the Holy Spirit, and also the rope bullfights. Another interesting aspect is nature, sculpted throughout the years by the volcanoes. The cliffs, hills, craters, lagoons, etc. The humanity of the islanders was, undoubtedly, one of the greatest joys. We met very special people, sometimes reminding our Brazilian relatives. They always welcomed us with open arms: at the hotels, the drivers, who became wonderful guides, the people working in the restaurants always in a good mood, and the workers of the institutions we went to, very friendly and nice.

I was really surprised with the value given to the Azorean culture and history. The museums showed me new things, things I didn’t know, like the whaling. The whale tooth art, the fig pitch tree, also the huge number of paintings and sculptures at Carlos Machado Museum on S. Miguel. The importance given to the Azorean emigrants and descendants is, again, amazing. The work developed by the Regional Department for the Communities, the investment and organization dedicated to all Azorean communities worldwide, I didn’t imagine that.

It was, in fact, an unforgettable journey which will be, for sure, very profitable.”