One of the best times to visit the island of São Miguel is during the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities. For devotees or not, it is indeed one of the most important festivals on the island of São Miguel, bringing together people from all over the island and even non-residents. The festivities held in devotion to Senhor Santo Cristo will take place this year from May 12th to 19th. Come and find out why these festivals exist and what they are about!
Cult to The Holy Christ of Miracles
In the monastery of Nossa Senhora da Esperança, in Ponta Delgada, there is a wooden figure that represents Jesus Christ during the Passion of Christ. This image impresses by the perfection of its features and ornaments constructed with precious stones, pearls, diamonds and gold.
It is believed to have been carved in the early sixteenth century and was later offered by Pope Paul III to two nuns who went to Rome to request the Bull of foundation of the first female cenobium on the island of São Miguel.
The devotion to Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres was born during the earthquake that occurred on April 11, 1700. According to the story, during the earthquake on the island of São Miguel, a group went out in procession with an image of the Senhor Santo Cristo when a stronger tremor made the image of the Senhor Santo Cristo fall from the procession to the ground, which according to the story remained intact, from that moment on there are those who say that the earth stopped shaking and an extraordinary devotion to Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres was born!
Festivities
These festivities animate the city of Ponta Delgada for a few days, and the highlights are: the inauguration of the illumination of the facade of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Sanctuary; the procession that gathers a huge number of devotees that travel the main streets of the city accompanied by the image of Senhor Santo Cristo, as well as the “promises”.
Photo Credit: https://santo-cristo.com/
These “promises” are made by people with health, family or any other kind of problems, who seek divine help and support, making sacrifices promised to the Holy Christ in case they can get the help they need.
Accompanying these parties there will always be several “barraquinhas” as we call them here in the Azores that sell popcorn, ice cream, snacks and various types of food and drink for all those who decide to participate in the parties. Besides the “barraquinhas” we also have vendors who take advantage of these days to sell handicraft products since the city receives hundreds of people at this time.
Photo Credit: https://santo-cristo.com/
This feast dedicated to Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres is extremely important to the Azorean people, bringing together residents and emigrants who return to their homeland to experience the splendor of these festivals and visit the Sanctuary to see the Lord’s image up close.