Capital, in a small way : Ponta Delgada

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!

 

82 comments

  1. Ah, wonderful choice, Jo – and excellent photos! The first one (I agree with many) is fabulous in its own. Thank you for the tour – now you got me longing…

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  3. Splendid photos Jo .. you’ve picked out some lovely details here . The illuminations there are quite something . They really know how to celebrate don’t they .. like so many of the continental countries !
    Happy weekend to you x

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  6. Isn’t it fabulous when these things happen? We had the same happen in Cusco on a cycling tour and it was the Festival of the Sun. I only wished I had done more research to understand what was happening.

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      1. All good Jo. The year started rough with both ourMoms in hospital for a week and a half. Both now are doing better thankfully. Arrived home from Mexico last night and on our way to the mount to take our three year old granddaughter to ski lessons.
        Hope you and your husband are doing well. Big hugs.

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  9. Always love seeing your name pop up in our challenge responses Jo, and today was no exception! We were so pleased when Viveka agreed to be our guest host, and obviously you were too :-). Your post is beautiful and your choice unique (not surprisingly!). My husband and I have put Portugal at the very top of our list and hope to get this this summer. Fingers crossed!

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    1. I don’t join in often, Tina, because there aren’t enough hours in the day. Viveka is a bit special to me. We met once very briefly, several years ago in Bristol, and we’ve been like ships that pass ever since 🤗💕. Where better to share? I hope you’ll love Portugal too.

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  10. Girlfriend .. thank you so much for sharing … your Portugal, a Portugal that is unknown to me. I don’t know much more Lisbon and Porto. You have taken me to so many magical places. You’re so good on pick up the details. That top image … beautiful. The island has stunning scenery. Thank you so much for playing with me.

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