The last ray of sunshine in Europe
Time zone of the Azores
It is on the island of Flores that the last sunset of Europe occurs every day. The Azores archipelago is the westernmost territory in Europe. The time zone of the Azores is UTC-1, which is one hour behind mainland Portugal.
"In the Autonomous Region of the Azores, similar to what happens in mainland Portugal, there is a change between daylight saving time/winter time. The time is advanced by 60 minutes at 0 hours on the last Sunday of March, and delayed by 60 minutes at 1 hour on the last Sunday of October."
National holidays
If you are visiting the Azores, it is important to be aware of the public holidays, as on these days there may be a higher flow of people and some services, such as public transport, may have some restrictions.
In the Azores, the following national holidays are celebrated:
- 1st of January - New Year's Day
- 7th of April - Good Friday
- 9th of April - Easter Sunday
- 25th of April - Freedom Day
- 1st of May - Labour Day
- 8th of June - Corpus Christi
- 10th of June - Portugal Day
- 15th of August - Assumption of Mary
Regional holiday of the Azores
Commemoration or Festivals of the Holy Spirit. Also popularly known as the feast of the little dove, it takes place on the Monday following Pentecost Sunday, and is a Regional Holiday consecrated 'as an affirmation of the identity of the Azoreans, their philosophy of life and their regional unity'.
During these celebrations, 'the noblest Christian traditions are intertwined with the celebration of Spring, life, solidarity and hope
Municipal holidays of the Azores
The municipalities that make up the administrative subdivision of the Azores have commemorative days for important historical achievements or to celebrate their patron saints. In the table below, you can search by island and municipality for established holidays.
Island | Municipality | Holiday | Date |
---|---|---|---|
Santa Maria | Vila do Porto | Saint John | 24 of June |
São Miguel | Ponta Delgada | Holy Christ | 2nd Monday after the Holy Christ feast day |
São Miguel | Lagoa | Town status | 11 of April |
São Miguel | Ribeira Grande | São Pedro | 29 of June |
São Miguel | Vila Franca do Campo | Saint John | 24 of June |
São Miguel | Povoação | Our Lady Mother of God | 1º Sunday of September |
São Miguel | Nordeste | Town Status | 18 of July |
Terceira | Angra do Heroismo | Saint John | 24 of June |
Terceira | Praia da Vitoria | August 11 Celebrations | 11 of August |
São Jorge | Calheta | Patron Saint Santa Catarina | 25 of November |
São Jorge | Velas | São Jorge day | 23 of April |
Santa Cruz da Graciosa | Velas | Saint John | 24 of June |
Faial | Horta | Saint John | 24 of June |
Pico | Madalena | Saint John | 24 of june |
Pico | Lajes do Pico | Saint Peter | 29 of June |
Pico | São Roque do Pico | São Roque Festivities | 16 of August |
Flores | Santa Cruz das Flores | Saint John | 24 of June |
Flores | Lajes das Flores | Feast of the Emigrant | Third Monday of July |
Corvo | Corvo | Town Status | 20 of June |
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