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.

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

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.

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.