Colors of Graciosa - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

As you decide to go to Graciosa Island, remember that locals are Portuguese and extremely proud of it. Despite this lasting neighbouring with Spain, people here don’t like to be compared with that country. So, it’s better not to speak Spanish with the locals. They strongly believe that those people who speak it are just not aware of Portuguese. Thus, learn a few common useful phrases in Portuguese or just speak English – the majority of the population understands it, especially those who work in tourism.

Moreover, do not make fun of Portugal, discuss its place on the political arena or historical defeats under no circumstances. Even though Graciosa Island is pretty far from the continent, locals still really love their homeland and feel highly proud of it. Besides, one – particularly a foreigner – can easily offense them criticizing the country. People here address to strangers as «Seignior» or «Senorita». Then, you can greet anybody by a handshake and it will always be appropriate. Basically, you can greet men, women, adults, and also kids like this. In addition, if you’re aware of a profession or, for instance, a scientific degree of a person you’re talking to, you can mention it during a conversation too.

One can’t call locals intrusive. And, if you stay here on Graciosa Island for quite a long time, you’re likely to make friends with the inhabitants. However, it’s essential that it’s a local who has to take the initiative, not a tourist. Male-friends typically hug each other when meet, female-friends kiss on the cheek once or twice. In case you’re invited for dinner, it’s better to prepare a kind of present. For example, you can buy a bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine or a souvenir from your motherland. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

So, if you accept the invitation, remember that it’s considered to be rude to refuse to drink alcohol you’re offered. Nobody would push you to have a full glass, you can just sip a bit. Another important aspect concerning the local culture you have to keep in your mind is that people here don’t approve discussing family or family relations (even with close ones). It’s simply not welcome. The same is about religious issues. Firstly, it’s personal stuff. Secondly, most locals are churched Catholics. Other religions and atheism are not judged here, but also are not really welcomed.

If you arrange meeting with someone from the locals for the first time, it’s better to come in time, so you would give the impression of a reliable and punctual person. But then it would be pretty fine to come 10-15 minutes later on the following meetings and nobody would even ask you to excuse yourself. However, you can never come late for lunch. Lunch is the most important meal here, that is why it’s not accepted to come late for it. Restraint is highly appreciated here. One can express intense emotions only with friends – and still, even in that case there’re lots of remarks, even concerning the fact that people here speak loud and gesture.

The famous saying «clothes do not make the man» isn’t really associated with Portuguese, as clothes and the overall appearance are especially significant here. So, a neat and appropriate outfit would help to make a positive impression on the local population. So, going to a restaurant, it’s better not to wear just shorts and a t-shirt. Furthermore, local inhabitants don’t really approve nudism, so if you don’t mind it, it’s better to go to the distant beaches. In addition, beach clothes are also not suitable if you decide to walk around the city streets – better chose something casual.

Locals celebrate religious holidays in a big way. Whether it’s Christmas, Epiphany, Good Friday, All Saints' Day, Dormition of the Mother of God – families celebrate them together no matter if all of them are Catholics or not. There is the Holy Spirit Festival in The Azores which annually takes in summer. Originally, the festival was created mainly for charitable causes bur today you can also enjoy colourful processions, fairs and performances of the local performers. What is more, the local Harvest festival is exceptionally fascinating as well.