Ponta Delgada isn’t especially grand, as capital cities go. In fact, my initial impression was that it was rather shabby. But it is the gateway to an archipelago that captured my imagination long ago. The Azores for me were the fulfilment of a dream.
Sitting in mid-Atlantic, this group of 9 volcanic islands seemed to me a world apart, and yet so much of their architecture felt familiar. They are, after all, Portuguese islands. Ponta Delgada, situated on the largest island, Sáo Miguel, is their administrative capital. Funnily enough (history is a strange thing) the religious capital of the islands is Angra on Terceira, and the legislative process operates from Horta on Faial.
It was pure coincidence that we arrived on the island in the midst of their greatest religious festival, in May. Ponta Delgada is the traditional centre of Festa de Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, and the Campo de Sáo Francisco and surrounding streets were decked in all their finery.
The Convent of Nossa Senhora da Esperanca is extraordinary both inside and out, especially by night when the whole square radiates light. From its origins as a small fishing village to the cosmopolitan city that it now is, Ponta Delgada retains something of the charm of these magical islands.
It takes a special person to induce me to delve into my archives. Viveka is making a guest appearance hostessing Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week. Few people are more well-traveled than my lovely and generous friend, but I don’t think she has been to this particular Capital. Thanks for taking me back, darlin’. I enjoyed every second!
restlessjo 
It’s taken me back too, I was excited when you went there and your posts didn’t disappoint x 🙂 x
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Hoping to go back for the other 3 isles next year. This one is drifting away…. 😦
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The lights in that first shot are AMAZING! I get the feeling these folks really know how to party! 😀
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I think that’s probably true, Gunta. Everywhere we went on these islands we seemed to come upon a procession. They are very subject to the storms of the Atlantic so I imagine it’s a relief when summer arrives. 🙂 🙂
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You really seem to have a nose for religious festivals, Jo. What beautiful architecture too. 😍
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They did seem to follow us last year, Ad. Maybe we’ll give them the slip this year 🤗💕
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oh so enjoyed revisiting this with you – wonderful Jo
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It was a wonderful trip- need to get my planning head back on 🙂 🙂
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oooh . . . .any thoughts where you might go this year?
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Nowhere major. Fitting around family and friends. 🙂 🙂
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ahh yes the challenge of diaries!
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How’s yours going? Things settling down at all?
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hmmm!!!!!!
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Good
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Thanks 🙂
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Thank you and well come to you
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The architecture looks really splendid when lit up, Jo. I love the pageantry and beauty of the religious festivals. You’ve really dropped into a marvelous cultural richness which pairs beautifully with the gorgeous landscape. What a dream!
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It’s true, Debbie. There are still so many lovely places to explore within Portugal. I need to get my act together this year 🙂 🙂
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Wow, this looks pretty grand to me. I especially love the beautiful night shot. I am going to Portugal in a couple of months and wish I was going to have time to make it here!
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The city itself is a bit rundown in places, but you will find that in much of Portugal. You’ll find plenty to entertain you on the mainland. Where do you plan to go? Lisbon and Porto, I imagine? 🙂 🙂
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Shabby never looked so pretty…thanks for going back in time.
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I didn’t show you the shabby bits, but you might like to find them for yourself, Karen 🙂 🙂
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Wow, those illuminations are amazing!
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They were unexpectedly beautiful, I have to admit 😊🌸💮💕
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I like shabby. Naples was my favourite shabby city visit.
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I prefer it to chique, Andrew, but not totally forlorn 🤗💕
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I know what you mean, that is how I found Estremoz!
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Hello, I just arrived Sao Miguel last night and boy was I surprised! I pictured a small one-road island, but it’s really quite big and from what I’ve seen so far, after going around in circles looking for my guest-house, just as you say, a bit shabby. But tomorrow is another day, and I’m really looking forward to soaking in these waters. Did you visit the Furnace?
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Sáo Miguel is a huge island, Krystina, and the road system is great. That’s not the case on some of the other islands. How long are you staying? We stayed at Furnas , Villa Franco de Campo and Capelas as well as Ponta Delgada, to make it easier to see more of the island. I hope you have good weather. 🙂 🙂
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What a lovely treat to arrive during a special festival. Your first photo is a beauty, with that lovely building all decorated and sparkling.
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We couldn’t quite believe our eyes when we turned the corner, Carol 🙂 🙂
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And thanks for taking me along as well. I love that first shot!
janet
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I loved the islands, Janet. Full of beauty and surprises like this one 🙂 🙂
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Wow, those photos are amazing – this looks like something out of a fairy tale.
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It felt a little like that at the time. The Azores were full of surprises, and this was just one. Thanks for spending time with me. 🙂 🙂
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