Get ready for an unforgettable maritime experience on Faial Island! From August 2nd to 11th, celebrate the ocean in Faial at the Semana do Mar 2024. The festival will immerse you in a vibrant blend of nautical and cultural events. Here’s a sneak peek of what awaits you:
- Concerts: Groove to Dillaz’s beats and dance the night away with the Duo Hugo & Rui. A great mix of top stars from the mainland Portugal, local bands and tradition make the lineup of the Semana do Mar. Scroll down for the full program on the main stage and check out the teasers.
- Marchas and Folklore: Enjoy the parades of the summer marches culminating in the closing parade representing all the parishes of Faial. The streets come alive with music and dance!
- Open Water Swimming: Dive into the channel between Faial and Pico islands during the open water swim. Feel the thrill as you conquer the waves! Yes, celebrate the ocean in Faial, swimming, sailing regattas, kayak and more sports events.
- Whaling boat regatas, whaling was for a long time an integral part of life in Faial. Nowadays the descendants of the whalers compete against eachother in rowing and sailing events.
- Hydrangeas and Local Delights: Faial is the blue island, yachtsmen receive a warm Faial welcome with hortensias and local products.
- Food is important, enjoy the local gastronomy which is enriched by visiting restaurants from other parts of Portugal.
- After-Party: Keep the energy high with DJs like Bombatuke and Paullo. Party until the sun rises.
- Enjoy the party at its maximum, there is an hop on the mini-bus which brings you to the festival. No need to bother about parking or walking back tiredly. Why not come over from Pico or São Jorge for the night? There are extra ferries running through the night between the islands of the Triangle.
And that’s just the beginning! Explore fishing tournaments, art exhibitions, and the regatas. Don’t miss the 47th edition of Semana do Mar—it’s a celebration you won’t forget! Time to celebrate in 2024 the Ocean in Faial.
The highlights
Orquestra de Música Ligeira da Câmara Municipal da Horta
All you need to know about the Semana do Mar 2024, scroll down and check out the full program, have a look at the stars, what else is up, how to get around, where to stay in Faial and much much more.
Click here for the full program!
Have a look at the stars
Dillaz
Dillaz, the Portuguese rapper and producer, has left an indelible mark on the national hip-hop scene. His third album, “O Próprio,” topped the charts and became the most-streamed Portuguese album on Spotify upon release. With a discreet personal life, Dillaz lets his music speak volumes.
Nininho Vaz Maia
Nininho Vaz Maia, born Avelino Abel Vaz Maia in Lisbon on February 25, 1988, is a prominent Portuguese singer and composer. His unique blend of Flamenco, pop, and Gypsy tradition has captivated fans since 2019, particularly through his YouTube releases.
Diogo Piçarra
Diogo Piçarra, born Diogo Miguel Ramires Piçarra in Faro on October 19, 1990, is a celebrated Portuguese singer, songwriter, and musician. Winner of the 2012 edition of the talent show “Ídolos,” his debut album “Espelho” reached #1 on the charts and earned gold and platinum certifications.
Tributo a Ivete Sangalo
Tributo a Ivete Sangalo, a dynamic Portuguese project, electrifies audiences with its homage to the contemporary Brazilian artist. Led by the powerhouse Telma Botelho, this band captures Ivete’s spirit, celebrating life and joy through music
Wet Bed Gang
Wet Bed Gang, the dynamic Portuguese rap collective hailing from Vialonga, has taken the music scene by storm. Comprising Kroa, Gson, Zizzy, and Zara G, their fusion of ancestral strength and rap irreverence has garnered millions of streams and made them a national phenomenon.
Sara Correia
Sara Correia, the talented fado singer from Lisbon, has mesmerized audiences with her soulful voice. Rising to fame after winning the “Grande Noite do Fado” competition at just 13, she continues to honor this traditional Portuguese genre. Her rendition of “Fado Português” is a hauntingly beautiful testament to her artistry.
Delfins
Delfins, the iconic Portuguese pop-rock band from Cascais, formed in 1981. Led by vocalist Miguel Ângelo, they captivated audiences with hits like “Canção do Engate.” After a 10-year hiatus, they returned in 2019, celebrating 35 years of music.
Orquestra de Música Ligeira da Câmara Municipal da Horta
The Orquestra de Música Ligeira da Câmara Municipal da Horta performs as usual on the closing night of the Semana do Mar. A remarkable ensemble, has graced the Azorean music scene for nearly 31 years. Founded in 1993, this orchestra has consistently delivered captivating performances, both locally and beyond.
What else is up
Swimming commpetition across the canal between Horta and Madalena do Pico. 10 km swimming in the open water between the islands of Faial and Pico is for sure a way to celebrate the ocean. The few courageous athlethes deserve your support, cheer at their departure in Horta or wait for them in Madalena if you cannot make it to Faial.
The parade of the summer marches, on these parades the parishes of Faial present joyful songs and dances about friendship, life on the island and more.
Nossa Senhora da Guia is the protectrice of the whalers of Faial. Luckily whaling is a thing of the past, but Nossa Senhora is still honored during a procession on land and sea.
The International Festival of Folklore has this year the Central Folklorica Internacional from Argentina as special guest. They will perform besides the folkloric groups of Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Coimbra from the mainland.
How to get there
First of all, you must be in Faial to enjoy the spectacle. Early August is high season, so it might be difficult if you want to come to Faial at short notice. But check out SATA Azores Airlines if they have some places left. For those staying in Pico and São Jorge, there are extra ferries running all night long.
If you are looking for accommodation, that will be tricky, you might try The Plantation Faial, a brand new boutique Bed and Breakfast not far from the city. Allow yourself a little bit of luxury in the middle of a banana plantation. Great breakfast is served, the rooms have air conditioning and you will be able to sleep, too. The Plantation Faial is located about 5 km from the city center in the parish of Feteira close to the ocean and with view on Pico.
If you are among the lucky ones which are in Faial, do not worry about parking. You will not be able to park close to the venue, but there is a shuttle bus running until the end of the main events which brings to your car.
Great, you read until the end, now you know almost everything about the Semana do Mar 2024. But if there is anything else you would like to know? Just ask and drop a note, we will try to help to make sure that you can celebrate the ocean in Faial.
