The Coliseu Micaelense, the iconic theatre on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, marked its 108th anniversary on Saturday, bringing together notable figures in a true celebration of culture.
Cila Simas, the chair of the venue’s board, expressed that these 108 years represent another significant achievement in their mission to “take the culture of the Azores further, regionally, nationally, and internationally,” as she mentioned in an interview.
“Each passing year marks another perseverance, another continuation of what our ancestors have left, which we must maintain for the future. The Azorean people encompass the cultures of all continents, which ultimately interconnect,” noted the chair.
This performance house has seen leadership from two prominent women. Cila is the current face of the theatre, but it was Berta Cabral, the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure in the Azorean Regional Government, who, as the former mayor of Ponta Delgada, drove the reconstruction of the Coliseu and spearheaded its reopening in 2005.
Berta highlighted the artistic contribution of the Azores, stating that the region “has given many artists to the country and the world in various fields,” and she expressed pride in seeing the Coliseu open its doors every weekend to host a wide range of performances. “It’s for all audiences and for all types of shows,” she remarked.
The anniversary event unveiled two significant developments. A formal partnership agreement was signed with the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science, and Culture (OEI), aimed at promoting Ibero-American culture through joint initiatives. Cila emphasized the extreme “importance” of this agreement, stating, “It’s good to be part of these initiatives because this is the largest theatre in the Azores. I am very proud of what we are achieving; every day, a new dream is born,” she said.
Additionally, a protocol was announced with the University of the Azores, facilitating students’ access to performances with various ticket discounts.
Pedro Nascimento Cabral, mayor of Ponta Delgada, highlighted the significance of making culture accessible to all. “This cathedral of Azorean culture is continuously democratizing culture, welcoming the population, social strata, and various generations. The people of the Azores have a fondness, an inclination, and a cultural identity,” he stated.
Following the announcements at the Coliseu Micaelense, the musical segment featured the band The Lucky Duckies. To commemorate the occasion, vocalists Marco António and Cláudia Faria chose to perform a song released in the same year as the venue’s opening: ‘Tico-Tico No Fubá,’ which debuted in 1917.
Júlio Isidro attended the event once again to present the band on stage, recalling fond memories of his final program held at the Coliseu before its extensive closure. Teresa Guilherme also attended the celebration, expressing it as “a great pleasure to be present to mark this date.”
See the images from the 108th anniversary of Coliseu Micaelense in the gallery.
