Terceira, Azores 21 + June 2010

The week long Fiera de Sao Joao (festival) has been great fun with all sorts of activities throughout the day and night till almost daybreak.




One of the highlights was the procession of 28 dance groups from the villages of Terceira island plus one group from Sao Miguel - our sailing friends Manuel and Leticia were enthousiastic members of this group.


Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip of Sao Miguel Dance Group



From 21.30 hrs the groups danced their way from a square at the top of the old city, down the main street, Rua da Se and other streets to a square in front of the council house. Each group consisted of all ages from small kids as mascots to grandparents , rich and poor all dressed in the same style clothes, specially made for the event.


Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip











Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip



Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip








Each group was followed by its own band of musicians.





After the last group had finished - around 03.30 in the morning, everyone migrated to a side street where free sardines were barbequed and the wine provided gratis. Several wood fires had been lit in the middle of the street and the local daredevils Jumped over the metre plus high flames.













Another evening there was a similar parade but with only kids performing.






Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip


Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip


On another evening, there was a parade of Walt Disney figures for the younger kids.




















The islands fascination with bulls was clearly demonstrated by there being bull fighting in different streets blocked off by lorries and barricades every day.

One of the bull fights was carried out by releasing several bulls into the street at the same time without ropes round their necks.




Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip

Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip


One event took place by the Marina where the bulls showed their lack of fear of the water.

Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip


Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip


i
At the end of last night's festivities a group dressed in the traditional clothing of the island from many years ago danced to traditional music provided by local musicians on guitars and wind instruments and singers.

Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip



Please click on arrow at bottom left to start video clip