OrangeSmile Tours Best destinations around the world - Travel Guide
Pico Island

Colors of Pico Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Locals are good for foreigners trying to speak Portuguese, even with mistakes. However, there are many people, especially those who live or work near major beaches and tourist attractions speak English pretty well. Many people know Spanish, but they don’t like to use it. In general, Portuguese has a strange attitude to neighbouring Spain, especially when you compare the historical path and culture. Local residents appreciate the achievements of their ancestors and they are very patriotic. So, try not to speak about their small homeland and Portugal as a whole.
One of the most interesting attractions of the island is considered to be the dormant volcano Pico, which the last eruption occurred more than three centuries ago and was so strong that lava … Open
Polite treatment begins with the words «señor» or «señora». If you know the profession of the interlocutor or the scientific title, you can mention it. It will be a sign of good manners. Universal greeting here is a handshake, both with men, women and even with children. Friends usually hug each other or kiss on the cheeks. If you make friends with a local, he can offer you to move to more informal communication, but in this case, the initiative should come from a native of Pico.
If you are late for 10-20 minutes, it is even not necessary to apologize. But the only exception is lunch, which is extremely important for local residents. It is not accepted to come late for this event. Another sign of good manners is to buy a small gift for those who have invited you to the house. It is not surprising that many locals are legally married, being only 20 years old. Local girls usually get married at 16 years, and guys – in 20-22, when they can provide for the family. Young people prefer to live separately from their parents. However, remember that the conversations about family and children are not too relevant on Pico unless you are not talking about your close people. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
In Ilha do Pico there is a great choice of hotels. Small guesthouses and apartments, which are situated in the most beautiful districts of the island, prevail here. Among upscale hotels Casa … Open
Local people are serious about religion and everything related to it. Almost 90% of those who live on the island are Catholics. Representatives of other religions and atheists are tolerated here, but it is better not to discuss religion with the locals. The religion leaves a certain imprint on public relations. For example, it is not welcome here to go in too open clothes or bathing suit anywhere outside the beach. Locals are extremely negative to blasphemy. Public quarrels and many other very emotional expressions are not accepted here. Despite the fact that local themselves are very hot-tempered people, they believe that you should restrain your emotions in public.
Islanders love to relax and have fun. In addition to the obligatory siesta from noon to three, they also have festivals during large Church and secular holidays. The main Church holidays are celebrated everywhere – Good Friday, the Body of Christ, the Assumption of the Virgin, All Saints ' Day, the Day of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas. Locals celebrate secular holidays in a big way. For example, hostess washes windows to shine, and eat 12 grapes under the clock on New Year's Eve around the island. The islanders love carnival days falling on February or March, depending on the date of Easter. Local shops will also be closed on Independence Day in June, which has been celebrated for almost five centuries, during Freedom Day in April, and on Labor Day in May. The Day of the Man of the Sea is celebrated on May 7, the island hosts a real festival dedicated to the sea and seafood.
Ilha do Pico is ideal for buying authentic souvenirs and goods from local manufacturers. There are several quite large shopping centres, but still, it is better to go to the mainland of … Open
The residents of Pico Island wear costumes during the celebration of St. John's day. During the festivities, people make fires and jump through them. During the August Sea Week, you can taste various fish and seafood dishes and participate in water games. In June, the island hosts a festival of Portuguese culture, and in September – Festa das Vindimas, a wine festival. In summer, the festivities are held as part of the festival of the Holy Spirit, which appeared as a charitable Church programme, but later grew into a real celebration. Touradas á corda is also held on Pico, where everyone can try to get closer to the bull, which is held on a rope by the trainer.
Pico Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

City tours, excursions and tickets in Pico Island and surroundings

National traditions of Portugal

The Battle of the Bulls is the traditional entertainment of the Portuguese since the Middle Ages. The modern bullfight is a voluntary event in which brave volunteers fight with an enraged bull. Competition winners become national heroes for the Portuguese people. This testifies to the unabated popularity of this sporting event.  … Open
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Pico Island

Saudi Arabia to Open 38 Hotels in Diriyah

Diriyah is one of the first mega projects in Saudi Arabia. Hotels and other infrastructure will start opening next year, and all works are expected to end in 2026. The first 18 restaurants in Bujairi Terrace will start operating already in early 2022. Read this

29.03.2024

Colors of Pico Island in photos

Search for popular touristic sites on Pico Island map

Address/Sight name City/Region Country Within radius, km
 Types of touristic objects to search for
Hotels & Car rental
Carhire locations
0 star
1 star
2 stars
3 stars
4 stars
5 stars
Touristic places
Art galleries
Churches/Temples
Museums
Castles/Palaces
Monuments
Touristic areas
Sightseeings
Attractions
Attraction parks
Casino
Theaters/Cinema
Disco/Clubs
Parks
Zoo
Aqua parks
Transport
Airports
Train stations
Bus stations
Metro
Parkings
Fuel stations
Ports/Ferries
Open the list of object types
Health/Sport
Open the list of object types
Food/Money
Open the list of object types
Shopping
Open the list of object types
Beauty/Medicine
Open the list of object types
City services
Open the list of object types
Useful services

Traditions and festivals in cities around Pico Island

Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Pico Island. Learn the best periods to visit Pico Island to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Pico Island.
OrangeSmile.com - online travel reservation expert providing reliable car rental and hotel booking services. We feature more than 25.000 destinations with 12.000 rental offices and 200.000 hotels worldwide.
Secure Server
Head office
Weegschaalstraat 3, Eindhoven
5632 CW, The Netherlands
+31 40 40 150 44


Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | About us
Copyright © 2002 - OrangeSmile Tours B.V. | OrangeSmile.com | Under the direction and management of IVRA Holding B.V. - Registered at Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), The Netherlands No. 17237018