The population of Corvo, where more than 400 inhabitants live, almost doubles in August at the time of the patron saint festivities and a music festival, which fill and “give movement” to the economy of the smallest island in the Azores.
“It is the festival that brings the most outsiders to the island. The population has a significant increase in these days. The accommodations are already full,” says Goreti Fraga, from the commission of the religious festival in honor of Nossa Senhora dos Milagres, the island’s patron saint, which runs from August 12 to 15.
This year the religious festivities will be presided over by the Bishop of Angra, Armando Esteves Domingues, who will perform the chrismations on the island of Corvo.
“From this week onwards you can already see people arriving. This is good for everything – for commerce, restaurants – and gives movement to the island “, maintained Goreti Fraga, also pointing out that” it is not every day “that Corvo has the visit of the bishop.
Festival of Mills until tomorrow
As part of the religious festival, the Corvo Youth Association promotes the Festival dos Moinhos, a musical event with free admission, between the 12th and 14th, which began in 2004.
Isabelly Cotias, Grupo de Chamarritas Roda Cheia do Faial, João Quintino and Karyna are part of the poster.
For the Mayor of Corvo, the patron saint’s feast and the Mills Festival “are two events that complement each other” and that allow “a different influx” of visitors to the small.
“Almost always doubles the population of Corvo”, said José Manuel Silva, adding that visitors come mainly from the neighboring island of Flores and the mainland, but there are also many Corvinos living on other islands who return for these days to their land.
The island has a residential and a local accommodation and, according to the president of the only municipality of Corvo, “everything that is accommodation is completely sold out” at the time of these events.
Campsite crowded
“Many visitors stay with friends and family, others opt for the campsite, which is also full,” said José Manuel Silva, noting that this year the enclosure is equipped with hot water, obtained with solar panels, and lighting.
The mayor pointed out that the island “gains other experiences – people gather, get together, live together and there are reunions”.
On the religious side, the procession in honor of the patron saint is the highlight of the celebrations, in a route that runs through the streets of the village, decorated by an extensive colorful carpet of flowers made by the population. A mass is also held.
“On August 15 we celebrate the feast of our patron saint. On the eve, the 14th, the candlelight procession takes place in the evening,” explained Goreti Fraga.
The representative said that many come to the island for the religious part, especially emigrants, but there are also visitors who come to attend the music festival.
On August 13, 1942, 17 pilgrims, who were going from Flores aboard the “Francesa” boat, died after the vessel sank.
Mass presided by the Bishop
D. Armando
On the 15th the solemn Mass will be presided by the Bishop of Angra, D. Armando Esteves Domingues, followed by the procession through the streets of the village.
The center of the religious procession is the Lady’s platform, where the Image follows, a Flemish sculpture from Malines, dating from the 16th century and duly decorated with its treasure: the Crown and the Rosary in gold, which according to tradition had been offered by the Pirates.
The feast, which has already begun with a novena with prayer of the Rosary and Mass with preaching, every day at 19:30 and 20:00, respectively, has its biggest days on August 14 and 15, when it will mobilize young people for the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation and a tribute will be paid to the victims of the sinking of the French speedboat, with a procession of candles to the Port of Boqueirão.
