St. Peter's Cavalcades 2026
The centuries-old tradition of St. Peter's Cavalcades returns to Ribeira Grande on June 29th. More than 150 horsemen dressed in white with red capes parade through the city streets in an equestrian procession unique to the Azores archipelago.
The St. Peter's Cavalcades (Cavalhadas de São Pedro) are one of the most singular and ancient traditions in the Azores, with over 500 years of history. They are celebrated annually on June 29th, St. Peter's Day, in the city of Ribeira Grande on São Miguel Island.
The equestrian procession, gathering between 150 and 160 horsemen, sets off from Solar da Mafoma, an eighteenth-century manor, and winds through the historic center streets up to the Church of São Pedro. The knights, lancers, stewards and buglers are dressed in white with red capes and sashes, mounted on decorated horses, following behind the "king" or chieftain — a long-bearded figure who leads the cortège to the sound of bugles.
The day's program begins at 9:30 AM with the Children's Cavalcades, a version for younger participants that keeps the tradition alive across generations. This is followed by the solemn Mass of São Pedro at 10:30 AM in the Church of São Pedro, and the highlight of the day — the St. Peter's Cavalcades procession — begins at 12:00 noon.
Associated with this tradition are the Alâmpadas, reproductions of lamp stands made with floral arrangements of hydrangeas and St. Joseph's bordon, which decorate the streets and houses along the route.
June 29th is also a municipal holiday, commemorating the 42nd anniversary of Ribeira Grande's elevation to city status, with a solemn session at 6:00 PM at the Teatro Ribeiragrandense. The Cavalcades are part of the broader program of the City Festivities and São Pedro Festivities, attracting thousands of visitors who travel specifically to witness this cultural spectacle, recognized as one of the 7 Wonders of Popular Culture of the Azores.
