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Situated on one of the islands in the Azores archipelago
this was an obligatory port of call from the 15th century until the advent of the steamship in the 19th century
The 400-year-old San Sebastião and San João Baptista fortifications are unique examples of military architecture
Cette ville située dans une des îles de l'archipel des Açores fut un port d'escale obligatoire depuis le XVe siècle jusqu'à l'apparition des bateaux à vapeur
Ses imposantes fortifications de San Sebastian et San Juan Baptista
sont un exemple unique d'architecture militaire
Ravagée par un tremblement de terre en 1980
كانت هذه المدينة الواقعة في إحدى جزر أرخبيل الأزور مرسىً اجبارياً منذ القرن الخامس عشر حتى ظهور السفن البخارية في القرن التاسع عشر، بينما تشكل حصون القديس سيباستيان والقديس يوحنا المعمدان المحيطة بها والتي تم تشييدها منذ 400 عام نموذجاً فريداً للهندسة المعمارية العسكرية
وتخضع أنغرا اليوم للترميم بعد أن دمّرتها هزة أرضية عام 1980
英雄港位于亚速尔群岛众多岛屿中之一,从公元15世纪开始,一直到公元19世纪汽船问世,来往船只都会在这里停靠。岛上有400年历史的圣塞巴斯蒂安要塞和圣胡安包蒂斯塔要塞是军事建筑中的两个独特典范之作。安格拉在1980年的地震中不幸被毁,现正在修复之中。
Находясь на острове Тершейра Азорского архипелага
служил обязательным пунктом остановки для судов
являются уникальными примерами военной архитектуры
Situada en una de las islas del archipiélago de las Azores
la ciudad de Angra do Heroismo fue un puerto de escala obligada para la travesía del Atlántico desde el siglo XV hasta que hicieron su aparición los barcos de vapor
Los imponentes fuertes de San Sebastián y San Juan Bautista
constituyen ejemplos incomparables de la arquitectura militar de la época
Angra está siendo objeto de obras de restauración
Situated on the mid-Atlantic island of Terceira within the Portuguese Autonomous Region of the Azores
Angra do Heroísmo was an obligatory port of call for the fleets of equatorial Africa and of the East and West Indies routes during their voyages to and from Europe from the 15th century until the advent of steamships in the 19th century
The port of Angra is also the eminent example of a creation linked to the maritime world: It is directly and tangibly associated with a development of a universal historic significance
the maritime exploration that allowed exchanges between the world’s great civilizations
Angra do Heroísmo’s port comprises two natural basins protected by a series of hills
being a distinctive example of the adaptation of an urban model to particular climatic conditions: the gridiron plan typically used in new cities was skewed to take into account the prevailing winds
that this choice was imposed by the navigators and their cartographers
An extensive defensive system was installed following the town’s foundation
The 400-year-old São Sebastião and São João Baptista fortifications are notable examples of this military architecture
Angra was officially raised to the status of city on 21 August 1534; during the same year
it became the seat of the Archbishop of the Azores
This religious function contributed to the development of the monumental character of the city’s central zone
where the cathedral of Santíssimo Salvador da Sé
the churches of the Misericórdia and Espírito Santo
and the convents of the Franciscans and the Jesuits were all constructed in the Baroque style
Even following a devastating earthquake on 1 January 1980
the central zone of the town of Angra do Heroísmo has preserved the better part of its monumental heritage and its original vernacular architecture
obligatory port-of-call for fleets from Africa and the Indies
is an outstanding example of a creation linked to the maritime world
within the framework of the great explorations;
Angra do Heroísmo is directly and tangibly associated with an event of a universal historic significance: the maritime exploration which permitted exchanges between the great civilizations of the Earth
Within the boundaries of the 212,40 ha property are located all the elements necessary to express the Outstanding Universal Value of the Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroísmo in the Azores
and the characteristic vernacular architecture
Angra do Heroísmo lost its role as an international maritime crossroads two centuries ago
affected its subsequent development and expansion
enabling the city to preserve its plan and homogeneous group of buildings
its establishment is proposed for an area of 223.85 ha
The property does not suffer unduly from adverse effects of development and/or neglect
The Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroísmo in the Azores is largely authentic in terms of its location and setting
It was substantially repaired and rebuilt following the violent earthquake in 1980 that significantly damaged the city
Angra’s city centre managed to preserve its 15th- and 16th-century road network
Use of traditional building materials and techniques is encouraged in rehabilitation projects
without prejudice to technological advances
Identified threats and risks include development pressures and natural disasters
Development pressures threaten the town's built and functional equilibrium due to an increasing demographic density
The threat of natural disasters stems from the geological conditions and morphology of the town’s location
in its geographic position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
The Central Zone of the Town of Angra do Heroísmo in the Azores
which establishes the legal basis and regime for the protection of cultural heritage
Angra do Heroísmo has also been given National Monument / Special Protection Zone status under Regional Legislative Decree No
which submits all planning instruments to the Detailed Plan for the Protection and Enhancement of Angra do Heroísmo
under the responsibility of the City of Angra do Heroísmo
each building is under the direct supervision of the respective authorities concerning its preservation
It has also been given Regional Monument status under Regional Legislative Decree No
The process of drafting a detail plan for safeguarding the property is complete and an analysis of the technical reports suggests there is a need to provide more flexibility in its management
This will enable the Outstanding Universal Value to be maintained and enhanced
whilst also allowing contemporary features to be introduced in Angra’s architecture
each generation will contribute with its legacy to the enhancement of Angra’s urban grid
Sustaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the property over time will require eliminating or minimising any adverse impacts caused by developmental and environmental pressures
including natural disasters; and completing
and implementing a Management Plan whose overarching objective is to protect
and manage the attributes that convey the Outstanding Universal Value of the property
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama (c.1460-1524)
the first navigator to sail directly from Europe to India
was honored with a statue dedicated to him in Angra do Heroísmo
memorializes Vasco da Gama’s stop at Terceira island
Vasco da Gama buried his brother at the monastery of São Francisco
and lingered there for 1 to 3 months in mourning
whose commander was his brother Paulo da Gama; Berrio
commanded by Nicolau Coelho; and a storage ship
This is the second statue commissioned by Vitor Baptista to honor a Portuguese hero
Two decades ago, Vitor Baptista commissioned a statue of world famous Portuguese soccer player Eusébio, unveiled January 25
Eusébio (1942-2014) is considered by many as one of the greatest footballers of all time
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As women in pink polo shirts conveyed steaming tureens
pungent earthenware crocks and freshly-baked sweet loaves
it was clear that the Azores’ celebration of the heavenly spirit had a strong component of earthy sustenance
wine and traditional meat dishes that forms a central part of the archipelago’s unique Holy Ghost festivities
which take place in villages around the islands over the 50 days after Easter
“This is one of the island’s most deeply respected traditions and it’s taken very seriously,” explains José Álamo Meneses
a jaw-droppingly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city on the island of Terceira
“Only around 10 percent here go to mass regularly
but they fill the churches on the day of the Holy Spirit,” he adds
before joining 250 fellow citizens for lunch in a hall hung with patchwork blankets in the hillside neighborhood of Bicas de Cabo Verde
The Azores are the last stronghold of a Holy Spirit cult grounded in the teachings of a 12th-century Italian mystic
Da Fiore’s vision of an “empire of the Holy Spirit” where universal love reigns and Church hierarchies fall redundant was declared heretical by the Catholic mainstream
Among early Portuguese settlers in the remote Azores
the ideas took root and continue to thrive
“The church tried many times to suppress it
but people here resisted,” says Álamo Meneses
Islanders recall how one disapproving bishop suffered repeated typographical “errors” in a local newspaper that dropped one letter from his name to turn it into an insult that roughly translates as “dickhead.” “You don’t mess with the Holy Spirit,” the mayor says
“This is one of the island’s most deeply respected traditions and it’s taken very seriously.”
the Church gets along with the brotherhoods
supping on the first course of sopa do Espírito Santo: a rich beef broth flavored with garlic
cinnamon and mint; and thickened with buttered bread
Placed strategically along long trellis tables were platters piled with hunks of boiled beef
peppery linguiça sausage and slabs of jellified pig’s blood gleaming black like the volcanic rocks that ring the island
in pots lowered into thermal pits to bubble for hours
Ours was concocted in a makeshift kitchen on gas-fueled stoves by a trio of cooks who work Terceira’s função circuit
“We’ve been working since 3 a.m.,” smiled cook João Pereira
the other day we did one in Angra for 900 people.”
Nowhere takes the Holy Spirit cult as seriously as Terceira
an oval of green 4,110 kilometers due east from the Delaware coast
Every village and neighborhood has its own Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Spirit
chapel-like local landmarks often with dazzling technicolor decorations
They are used to keep ornate silver crowns
embroidered red flags and other symbols of the cult
include men and women) each year elect a symbolic “emperor” and a team of mordomos (stewards) to organize festivities and oversee charitable deeds – notably distribution of food in the form of bread
“We distributed 1,000 kilos of meat in the esmola [alms],” says Manuel Brum
the people are working to put together funds for the celebrations.”
Dairy and beef herds graze year-round on its rich pastures and ranchers are among the biggest criadors (donors) to the brotherhoods
the beefy flavors on offer at celebratory lunches served by all the brotherhoods in the weeks after Easter
The second course is Terceira’s signature dish: alcatra – a pot roast of shank and sirloin slow-cooked with onion
cloves and wine until the meet is fork tender and powerfully aromatic
It’s believed to date back to the 15th century
when early settlers came from central Portugal
where a similar dish is made using goat or mutton
Since Bicas’ imperio kitchens are under construction
the oven-cooked alcatras were trucked in by pickup and ferried to diners who scooped spoonfuls from traditional unglazed cooking pots to pour over slices of massa sovada
a wheat bread incorporating pureed sweat potato
alcatra is cooked using white wine produced on the island’s rocky north coast or with vinho de cheiro
low-alcohol red made from grapes descended from wild New England strains
The bovine contribution to Holy Spirit festivities takes another form a few days after the lunch through tourada à corda
Terceira’s unique form of bullfighting is another tradition dating back to the early days of settlement
Every village will hold at least one tourada between April and September
Bulls selected from herds roaming semi-wild in the high moorlands are released on main street
restrained (but not much) by a long rope held by men dressed in broadbrimmed black hats
This ton of angry livestock then proceeds to charge around the village aiming at daredevils waving capes
The trick is to get as close as possible without being gored
as shown by spectacular bull-hits-man videos that are bestsellers in Angra stores
enjoying something like soccer-star status among aficionados
After auctioning off handmade lacework and embroidery
the eight women and one man elected as this year’s mordomos opened bidding on a young goat led into the room amid cheering
The fortunate critter was snapped up by Brum
drawing some grumbles from neighbors bemoaning a good roast going to waste
is a rice pudding that’s common around Portugal
but the Azores version is thick and creamy
yellow with yolks and flavored with lemon zest before it’s copiously sprinkled with cinnamon in designs of crowns and doves
With appetites sated and belts loosened a notch or two
pausing to drop a voluntary contribution into one of the imperial crowns on display
or to kiss the dove-topped silver scepter before pressing it to their foreheads
“We’re already raising money for next year,” say Brum
“We do our best with the little that we have.”
officials have committed to install more piezometers (aquifer monitoring equipment) on Terceira island to assess the impact of contamination caused by the U.S
said the vice-president of the Azores Regional Government
An aquifer is a body of porous rock or sediment saturated with groundwater
“It was agreed that they will install more piezometers to reach a more definitive conclusion and determine the risk to the health and environment of the residents,” Vice-President Artur Lima told Lusa news agency
This decision was communicated during the 47th Session of the United States-Portugal Standing Bilateral Commission (SBC)
JOINT STATEMENT - 47th U.S.-PORTUGAL STANDING BILATERAL COMMISSION
At issue is the contamination of soils and aquifers in Praia da Vitória
caused by the storage and handling of fuels and other pollutants by the U.S
the contamination was confirmed in 2009 by the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC)
which has been monitoring the decontamination process since 2012
the preliminary conclusions of a joint study of the civil engineering department of the US Air Force and LNEC have already been delivered and will now be “subject to analysis.”
In the next meeting of the bilateral commission
which should take place in November in Lisbon
Artur Lima hopes there will be “some more conclusions” and that U.S
officials will present “concrete measures” of decontamination
“The preliminary study indicates that there may be risk to human health and the environment
but to be sure we have to install more piezometers
[identify] where it exists and its quantification,” he said
Artur Lima said there has been a “direct dialogue” between the Azores delegation and American officials
which resulted in a commitment to resolve the contamination
“The United States will commit to solving the problem
in the minutes of the permanent bilateral commission
as a result of the intense effort that the vice-presidency has been making
but demanding and without giving in,” he emphasized
authorities in relation to the decontamination of soils and aquifers in Terceira is “a great evolution,” when compared to “what was done in the past.”
The vice president also said he proposed the rejuvenation of the Portuguese labor contingent at the Lajes Base
to allow “qualified young people to stay on the island of Terceira.”
“I proposed that a renewal of the Lajes labor force could be made
accepting that workers close to retirement age could retire earlier,” he said
is to replace older workers “with young qualified Azoreans,” with the condition that “there will be no reduction in the labor force
officials “have agreed to analyze the proposal,” which should be discussed again “in the next bilateral meeting.”
Artur Lima also suggested the next meeting of the permanent bilateral commission should take place in Terceira
which he said “was very well received.”
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Azores is the place where I have lived some of the most wonderful and impressive experiences of my life. Terceira Island is superb, but above all, is a place where I can assure you that you will have sensations you never thought you would have.
It is one of the largest islands in the Atlantic, whose inhabitants are mainly concentrated in Angra do Heroísmo, the oldest city in the Azores, classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Despite the wonders that Terceira Island offers, I will never forget the boat trip that took me there, after a few days in São Miguel …
A post shared by 𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙴𝙸𝚁𝙰, 𝙰𝙲𝙾𝚁𝙴𝚂. 𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙶𝙰𝙻 🇵🇹 (@terceira_acores) on Mar 14, 2020 at 8:46pm PDT
Me and Manuel, who accompanied me on this adventure, we were totally surprised, by the scenic beauty of the Archipelago. We came from São Miguel and embarked that day towards Terceira island. It was a cloudy stormy day at sea. In a short time, the boat was shaken by angry waves. Its bow rose higher and higher, each wave assaulted the vessel with such a force that I had never felt before. Some people started to panic, others became sick and the children cried with fear.
In a short time, it was impossible to be inside the boat, due to many people being seasick and the smell got too intense. The cause, all those furious stormy waves hitting the boat. I know that this is not a beautiful “image”, but sometimes, to get to paradise, you have to go through hell, and that’s what happened…
We started looking for a way out and found a young couple in search of the same. They knew where to go. Together we took the risk, and even though it was prohibited, the four of us went outside the vessel. Then, I sat on the floor of the boat, watching the huge waves that were rising around us. I admit I was a little scared, but I needed a breath of fresh air to avoid being seasick also.
When we finally saw the wonderful Terceira Island, we breathed in relief. Upon arrival, we went into a restaurant because we hadn’t eaten for a few hours, but my desire to eat was obviously diminished.
Although the adventure did not start in the best way, we felt we would have incredible experiences. I will describe them below, and you should really have them…
View this post on Instagram Algar do Carvão – ilha Terceira Algar do Carvão – Terceira island #azores #açores #visitazores
A post shared by Visitazores (@visitazores) on Sep 17, 2020 at 3:30am PDT
There are only two places on the planet where you can enter and visit a volcano, one is in Indonesia and the other on Terceira Island, in the Azores, Portugal. Honestly, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Inside the volcano, a stone staircase was built, in there we must descend carefully, because from the walls it drips water, which wets the steps and can get too slippery. Down there, you can see a big water slop.
I was amazed at being inside a volcano, looking up and seeing the crater, imagining that one day, lava was expelled there. Photographing a volcano from the inside out I assure you is a unique experience that I strongly advise.
This unusual experience is only comparable to another that I lived on São Miguel Island, more precisely in Ponta da Ferraria, where a fabulous geological phenomenon occurs. In spite of the existence of thermal springs, where you can have a bath in warm waters, the originality of Ferrarias is that the thermal spring is in the sea. So, when I entered the sea water through some stairs suspended in the rock, I could not imagine what I was about to live …
As I swam towards the rock, the water heated up, changed from cold to warm, then hot and then to boil, until I could hardly stand the temperature. It was like being in a giant tub of boiling water between the rocks. A unique experience in an idyllic setting, which I recommend especially to lovers.
A post shared by Marta Bettencourt (@marta_bettencourt) on Aug 12, 2020 at 4:06pm PDT
The formation of Monte Brasil took place from the eruption of a volcano originated in the sea that created a creek, thus creating Angra do Heroísmo. Today it is a protected landscape and a natural park in the city.
In this scenario, I also highlight the submerged caves with high biodiversity of marine fauna, the Castel of S. João Baptista and the pedestrian trail that is a paradisiacal place for hiking and getting touched by nature.
A post shared by 𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙴𝙸𝚁𝙰, 𝙰𝙲𝙾𝚁𝙴𝚂. 𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙶𝙰𝙻 🇵🇹 (@terceira_acores) on Oct 4, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT
The small and picturesque town of Praia da Vitória, with its colorful houses, gardens, and churches. Also, stop at the Serra do Cume, Alagoa da Fajãnzinha, Ponta do Queimado, and Serra de Santa Bárbara viewpoints.
All offer impressive views, but Santa Bárbara, is at the highest point on the island, due to this, prepare yourself to be amazed. Take a jump to the Biscoitos pools, which besides rock, have black sand, and also know Furnas de Enxofre.
Finally, pay attention to the “Empires”, the name given to small colorful buildings, with beautiful facades, where the Holy Spirit is worshiped.
Terceira is a paradise of intact nature and mind-blowing experiences!
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This remote archipelago simply abounds with adventures; it is
hiking and canyoning; excellent surfing and other watersports; rich opportunities for on horseback
Then there is the landscape itself: a wonderland of seething mud pots
and vivid crater lakes that speak of a volcanic origin
Lagoa do Congro
about 5.5 km from Vila Franca do Campo on The Azores largest island of São Miguel
Sete Cidades
The Azores are full of places that stop visitors dead in their tracks and cause a sharp
Angra do Heroismo
the historic centre of Angra do Heroismo on the island of Terceira is an architectural jewel
Mt Pico
The highest mountain in Portugal rears out of the Atlantic Ocean to a height of 2,351m
Mt Pico is more than postcard material: an…
Capelinhos Volcano
The underwater volcano that erupted in spectacular fashion off the island of Faial in 1957 afforded scientists a unique opportunity to study a rare…
Vineyards of Pico
The island of Pico has produced wine since the 15th century
but don’t expect neat rows of vines amid picturesque fields
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smoked pork fat and dried spices (Credit: Austin Bush)Akin to France's heartier
"alcatra" is synonymous with a single island in the remote Azores archipelago
an archipelago of nine islands belonging to Portugal and located roughly between Europe and the US
They're said to be home to more cattle than people
and despite being home to less than 3% of Portugal's population
the islands produce 30% of Portugal's dairy products and 13% of its beef
Beef is part of everyday life in the Azores
the ingredient even crosses paths with religion
In the days following Easter, Azorean people kick off a series of religious celebrations called Festas do Espírito Santo (Festivals of the Holy Spirit)
a Catholic sect called the Cult of the Holy Spirit predicted a utopian era on Earth
This fringe faith was discouraged in mainland Europe but lived on in these remote islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
The sect was also promoted by Portuguese queen Elizabeth of Aragon (also known as Elizabeth of Portugal)
a series of festivals emerged on the Azores that blended these utopian aspirations with the queen's alleged generosity
Between Easter and the week following Whitsunday
the islands host a series of parades and other cultural and religious festivals that revolve around brightly coloured community houses called impérios
the community houses also collect donations from locals
which is then redistributed to people in the form of bread
These three elements generally come together in the form of a soup
that's served at the impérios during the festivals
locals combine these ingredients in a different and delicious way
one that's become synonymous with the island's culinary identity
We're sitting at a cafe in Angra do Heroísmo
children race to and from a nearby império delivering massive trays of raw beef to neighbours
Fournier tells me that alcatra likely has its origins in northern Portugal
where there's a tradition of baking goat in wine
"We don't know why it's called alcatra," he says
Al catar means 'small pieces of meat'."
alcatra differs from mainland Portugal's baked meat dishes in that it includes dried spices
"Spices came to Terceira on trading boats," says Fournier
referencing Portugal's expansive maritime trade network
Southeast Asia and the Americas – the origins of many of the dried spices we use today
"They would come with spices and leave with fruit."
Fournier insists that the beef for alcatra must come from grass-fed cows – standard on Terceira – and that at least one of the cuts should have a bone
both factors that contribute to the taste of the dish
which means it has a better flavour in the end."
With these tips and background information
to ask if he would be willing to make alcatra
Sousa works in Lisbon but was visiting home
which meant that he would be making the island's most traditional and celebrated dish not just for me
but also for his parents and grandparents – all natives of Terceira
We start by visiting Sousa's grandmother to get the family alguidar
hand-thrown clay vessel used to bake alcatra
"The alguidar gets seasoned like a cast iron pan
and the dish comes out even better," Sousa says
adding that the alguidar is something of a family heirloom that gets passed down generation to generation
Sousa's father had already received beef from an império, so we continue around Angra do Heroísmo on foot in search of the remaining ingredients. At Bertílio Simões & Irmãos
• The dark history behind Madeira's famous levadas
• Portugal's mysterious birthing stones
• The Portuguese stew cooked in the ground
“Our recipe for alcatra uses allspice,” says Maria Serafina Simões
handing us a photocopy of her family's recipe
We walk away with black pepper and allspice
Purists like Fournier insist on using only white wine
specifically that made from verdelho grapes on Terceira or nearby Pico Island
but Sousa uses a combination of local verdelho and vinho de cheiro (red table wine from the Azores)
was the only 'proper' wine for the production of alcatra," says Sousa
a very aromatic and light red made with Isabelle grapes
colour and richness of an alcatra is achieved with a mixture of both these wines – just like my father taught me how to make it."
it is getting late and Sousa isn't sure we'll have enough time for the low
slow braise required to make alcatra the traditional way
dipping into his reserve of chef's tricks
he improvises a "fast" method in which he sears the beef and simmers it in water and wine until tender before layering it with the other ingredients and baking them in the alguidar
Sousa removes the foil from the top of the alguidar and the ingredients are bubbling
wine and spices filling his parents' apartment
He adds a pat of butter – another ubiquitous Azorean ingredient – and after another hour in the oven
the surface of the dish is pleasantly browned and coated by an appetising layer of fat
Sousa serves the stew over thin slices of massa sovada
a sweet bread also associated with the island
the alcatra passes muster with Sousa's family
who share that they "wouldn't change anything" about the dish
alcatra was baked in wood-burning ovens overnight
The following is a slightly expedited version of the dish
in which the cuts of beef are pan-seared then boiled until tender before being oven braised for around four hours
the clay pot used to make alcatra on Terceira
1 cup light red wine (ideally vinho de cheiro from the Azores)
1 cup + ½ cup white wine (ideally vinho verdelho from the Azores)
Heat the vegetable oil and 1 tbsp (15g) of the lard in a cassoulet pot over high heat
cover and rapidly simmer until the beef is just starting to get tender when pierced with a knife
put the beef and the liquid into separate bowls and reserve
Coat the interior of the alguidar (or cassoulet pot) with the remaining lard
half the bay leaves and a generous sprinkle of salt
If it's not enough to come just short of the level of the beef
add a mix of equal parts red and white wine to that level
Cover the alguidar with foil (or cover the cassoulet with its lid) and bake for three hours
remove the foil (or lid); the dish should be bubbling
the liquid should have reduced slightly and the exposed top layer should be slightly dry
The fragrance will have shifted from cooking wine/alcohol to rich aroma of melting fat and the dried spices
until the exposed layer is pleasantly browned
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The traditional ‘Sanjoaninas Festival’ is taking place on Terceira Island, from June 19-27, attracting thousands of visitors to Angra do Heroísmo city listed (1984) by UNESCO as a World Heritage site
the allure of remembrance] the 2015 Sanjoaninas Festival honors the legacy of the many thousands born on the island who have left their birthplace in search of a better life
the celebrations are the biggest secular festivities in the Azores dating back to the 16th century
They showcase Terceira’s historic legacy and cultural heritage and mark the highest tourism season for the island attracting many tourists and emigrants returning home to celebrate the festas with relatives and friends
the celebrations open with the Rainha [Queen] parade and includes many highlights such as a Portuguese style bullfighting in addition to the Terceira style touradas à corda [rope bullfights] a local bullfight tradition similar to the Spanish running of the bulls
the festival has evolved to become a combination of religious celebrations and secular traditions which include religious displays
cultural and ethnographic events and recreational sports activities
The feast also features jubilant marches and parades portraying the culture and ethnic pride of the people on the island
One highlight is the choreographed danças with groups of performers presenting street dancing routines
The Sanjoaninas festivities also feature the famous culinary and gastronomy typical of the island of Terceira
——————–
The Azores (population 250,000) is a region of Portugal composed of nine islands
The archipelago discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century
became an Autonomous Region of Portugal in 1976
The government of the Autonomous Region of the Azores includes the Legislative Assembly
elected by universal suffrage for a four-year term; the Regional Government and Presidency
a Vice-President and seven Regional Secretaries responsible for the Regional Government executive operations
The Autonomous Region of the Azores is represented in the Council of Ministers of the Central Government by a representative appointed by the President of Portugal
According to the latest US census over 1.3 million individuals of Portuguese descent live in the United States
It is estimated that over 20,000 US citizens live in Portugal
2015 Sanjoaninas Festival: Official Website >> Festivities Program (in Portuguese) >> Facebook >>
Taunton has three sister cities
Given the fact that Taunton has long been home to a large Portuguese community
it should come as no surprise that two of Taunton’s sister cities are: Angra do Heroísmo
is just as significant to the roots of some of our area’s earliest European settlers:
Taunton got its current name from the English settlers who came here
as many of them were from the other Taunton
the Native Americans who were living here called the area Cohannet
While the connection to that other Taunton is hundreds of years old, that connection is maintained thanks to the Sister Cities International network
It’s a nonprofit program that establishes connections between the United States and different “sister cities” all over the world
as a means of building global collaboration and cooperation
Let’s take a look at all the common ground between Taunton
Taunton was named for the original Taunton in England
which coincidentally also sits near a river
The Taunton River helped the city be a major river shipping port in its manufacturing heyday
England takes its name from its river: “town on the River Tone” or “Tone Town.”
and the other Taunton is the county town of Somerset
England (archaically known as Somersetshire
Their Somerset County Council is based at County Hall in Taunton
Taunton and Somerset are on the SouthCoast
and the other Taunton is in the southwest of England
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Temperatures in Massachusetts might climb into the 90s and beyond during the hottest months of the summer
normal temperatures in July and August are somewhere in the 70s
Saving Lake Sabbatia: Taunton comes together to fight aquatic invaders
when it is affectionately referred to as the Christmas City
The Taunton Cider Co., touting “proper cider, from Somerset,” has won international awards. Their website says that they pride themselves “on only using apples grown within a 30 mile radius of our office in central Taunton
Taunton had some notoriety among local fairs and markets for its woolen goods as well
and both have museums dedicated to preserving the history of not only their Tauntons
had some importance during Anglo-Saxon times
as it was the site of a mint for King Ine of Wessex (England did not have just one kingdom at that time)
By the time of the Domesday Book (a great survey of England
although that is a gross oversimplification) in 1086
there were about 1,500 people living in Taunton
Its importance only grew through the Middle Ages
and it has been the county town since 1366
it was even the site of a skirmish during the War of the Roses
where there is a trove of regional objects and archives
documenting the history of our city and the Old Colony
Taunton Castle
a 10th-century structure that has been heavily reconstructed over time
houses the Museum of Somerset and the Somerset Military Museum
The Museum of Somerset
has an extensive collection that includes local artifacts
The museum is also home to one of the largest Roman coin hoards ever found in Britain
the Frome hoard (that’s a town in Somerset)
Both Tauntons were also once the site of an act of rebellion against the crown
became “the first community in the American colonies to raise a flag — the ‘Liberty and Union’ flag — in opposition to British rule,” according to the OCHM
the Duke of Monmouth crowned himself King of England in that other Taunton
and some Protestants under his rule opposed him
1st Duke of Monmouth and eldest illegitimate son of Charles II
claimed the throne in an attempt to displace James
and he was beheaded for treason on July 15
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the Green is the site of the annual Lights On Festival
they’ve got their own iconic local landmark
The Pride Rainbow Path in Goodland Gardens
the Pride Rainbow Path runs alongside the River Tone and opened in June 2021 to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising
England’s first Pride festival in 2021
and it is believed to be the first path of its kind in the UK
Notable residents and Taunton in popular cultureBoth Tauntons have had their share of big names come through town
held infamous figures like Lizzie Borden and Jane Toppan
and is the birthplace of notable residents who have found careers in everything from astrophysics to the NFL
5 notable Tauntonians: From the NFL, to the silver screen, to far-away galaxies
likewise has a host of notable residents Pattie Boyd
a leading international model during the 1960s (she was also the wife of George Harrison
who played Mark Antony in “Rome,” was born there
Both cities have been mentioned in books by internationally renowned authors
Taunton is mentioned in the works of Stephen King
Jane Austen herself mentions Taunton in her last complete novel
“Persuasion.” The heroine is from Somerset County
One of the more surprising pop culture connections between the two cities revolves around “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
the author of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” went to secondary school in Taunton
one of the actors in Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation
He plays Frank Poole’s father in the movie
during a scene where Frank has a video call with his family
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com
Curious Taunton is a new feature — if you have questions or if there is something you are curious about
Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today
The coronavirus creates a surreal stay in the Azores for a photojournalist and aspiring round-the-world traveler
a lone man looks out over the quiet marina on March 22
after a coronavirus-related ban on recreational boating
It’s a strange feeling to be trapped indefinitely in the place my ancestors worked so hard to leave more than a hundred years ago
When my partner and I touched down in the Azores, a lush volcanic archipelago some 900 miles off the coast of Portugal
it was supposed to be the first stop on our round-the-world year of travel
We had both left jobs in Seattle—she as a corporate security trainer
had a yearning to experience more of the world
Now we find ourselves stuck at our first stop
and with no clear end in sight to our tenure here
It doesn’t seem safe to fly and almost every country on our trip plan has closed its borders to international travel
and no health insurance back in the United States
The morning sun illuminates a rural town on São Miguel Island. Before the pandemic, Azorean tourism had been on the rise
colorful laundry complements the azure sky
I considered Portuguese the closest thing I had to a cultural heritage
She tried to teach me a smattering of Portuguese
and it was a sure bet that her cupboard would be stocked with King’s Hawaiian rolls—the closest approximation of Portuguese sweet bread that could be found at the grocery store
I have never felt or sought an ancestral connection to a place
As we explored the island before the shelter-in-place order
we found the church in the town of Santa Barbara where my great-great-grandparents were married in 1893
We walked through the tiny village of Fontinhas
this village of white-washed buildings trimmed in primary colors would probably look almost identical to the way it did when my ancestors were herding their cattle in the nearby fields
I think about them living through the 1841 earthquake that destroyed the town’s church; they later worked alongside their neighbors to rebuild it
I imagine how they would have quarantined themselves, just as we are now, in 1908, when an outbreak of bubonic plague spread across the islands
Associated Press article sounds disturbingly familiar:
New cases of the plague are occurring daily and the epidemic threatens to spread throughout the entire group
The sick are lying huddled in hospitals in the most miserable condition
medicines and other necessities … Commerce is completely paralyzed
the government having forbidden all communication with the infected islands
My grandmother’s father was 16 years old in 1914, when he boarded a ship and made his way to America alone in search of a better life. Over the next few years, he worked his way across the country before settling in California’s San Joaquin Valley
a region that has become a haven to thousands of Azorean immigrants
Cows graze on a hillside above the southeastern coast of Terceira Island
where the bovines outnumber people two to one
so herds roam the island’s vast patchwork of pastures
from a safe distance after dropping off Easter lunch for them on April 12
“Never was a hug so precious or missed,” said Parreira
who works as a nurse at a primary care health center
A boat normally used for tourist excursions floats idly in the Angra do Heroísmo marina
and I grew up enjoying trips to visit cousins and their cows
(Related: Discover a surprising center of Basque culture in Idaho.)
There is a cognitive dissonance to being in a place that seems both deeply familiar and deeply foreign
I sensed this tension the moment we landed in the Azores and arrived at our first lodging
an Airbnb on São Miguel Island serendipitously located on a dairy farm perched on bluffs above the ocean
the feel of the muck boots and muddy denim seemed to burst forth from my past
I could have been stepping out the door and onto my family’s farm on the Oregon coast
The faces of the people we encounter are the faces of my cousins
Pereira—are the names of my grandparents and their grandparents
I see them in his need to be near the ocean
as if the sea waves and salty breeze are what keep his soul powered
set apart as much by my maternally inherited pale skin as by my American-brand hiking pants and lack of Portuguese fluency
The faces that look so familiar to me stare back with vague confusion and mild suspicion—and more so now that we have quite possibly become the only tourists left on the island
“Who are you and what are you still doing here?” their eyebrows say
Because there’s no one else to interact with
It is a genre of loneliness I have never felt before
(Related: Here’s how the coronavirus is affecting tourism and local life in Barcelona.)
Without the purpose of continued travel, we have been left somewhat rudderless. Thankfully we can still leave the house, so we go on walks and drives to experience the beauty of this island as much as we can—anything to distract us from our anxiety over the health of our friends and family an ocean away.
A plane leaving Lajes International Airport on Terceira Island soars above the Immaculate Heart of Mary monument in Praia da Vitória on March 16, 2020. Later that day, flights to and from the island were suspended for all but one airline.
My extended visit is far from how I expected to experience the Azores, and yet it turns out that a remote, sparsely populated island is one of the safest places to be during the pandemic. Although some 140 coronavirus cases have been reported in the archipelago to date, the hospitals are not overwhelmed with the sick, and social distancing is not difficult.
But I have come to realize that I am missing what I came here to discover. People are what make up the soul of a place, and it’s a loss not to be able to connect with the community around me. I have a feeling of home, but it’s incomplete. We anxiously watch the world through the window of our screens, feeling the weight of the unknown and yearning for the personal connections we once took for granted.
So we continue wandering through empty towns and past closed businesses, kept company by the ghosts of my people, who met their own challenges and survived.
As night falls in Angra do Heroísmo, a resident takes an evening walk alone toward the sea.
Watch your inbox over the next few days for photos
captured in mistnet on the outskirts of Wanang village
their jelly matrix will limit ventilation to the egg masses
starving out especially dense eggs like this (La Jolla
Castor canadensis."},"title":"Where does vanilla flavoring come from
The silken case itself is visible with the greyish material (a mix of caterpillar saliva and silk)
the first black man to make it to the top of the country and western music field
From Twenty Hand-Coloured Prints after Original Paintings of Famous American Thoroughbreds by Edward Troye (1808–1874)
image: 11 3/8 x 14 15/16 in.","ttl":"2B0GHKP.jpg"},"title":"The life of Lexington
used to make tequila on the grounds of the Fortaleza Tequila Distillery."},"title":"Visit Jalisco
The Haenyeo make a living out of harvesting the sea floor catching conch
They freedive to depths of 20 meters and hold their breath for minutes
But the Haenyoe is an endangered 'species'
the sea was abundant with them – around 30.000 of them would take to the sea almost daily
they hardly number 5000 and more than two-thirds are over 60 years old
Here are a few experts love."}],"topicName":"Lifestyle"},"rightpromo":{"id":"2c88edf9-e45c-48a7-a57e-3c8667c53fbc","cmsType":"TileGridModule","tiles":{"id":"drn:src:natgeo:unison::prod:441fde9e-010c-4a0c-a09d-296ee7cb9690","href":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/lifestyle/article/best-compact-cameras","cmsType":"ArticleNavTile","ratio":"4x3","title":"The 10 best compact cameras for travel
The morning sun illuminates a rural town on São Miguel Island. Before the pandemic, Azorean tourism had been on the rise
marriage of the writer’s great-great-grandparents
Manuel Caetano Borges and Margarida Augusta da Rocha Lopes
who wed on Terceira Island and later emigrated to California to start a dairy farm
the main street of Angra do Heroísmo hosts cheery flowers but few people
A pair of ducks wanders past a man entertaining himself with a soccer ball on the empty waterfront plaza in Angra do Heroísmo
Two young women stroll through São Mateus da Calheta on March 15
ten days before the first local transmission of COVID-19 was registered in the town
a mural by Portuguese artist Carolina Celas depicts Azorean emigrants saying goodbye to loved ones before boarding a ship
an 18th century cathedral and popular tourist attraction in Angra do Heroísmo
The Hot and Fresh pizza truck in Angra do Heroísmo is one of the few food sellers
Some restaurants are offering takeaway and delivery services
A plane leaving Lajes International Airport on Terceira Island soars above the Immaculate Heart of Mary monument in Praia da Vitória on March 16
flights to and from the island were suspended for all but one airline
a resident takes an evening walk alone toward the sea
The alleged Carthaginian temples dedicated to the goddess Tanit
are not ancient archaeological findings from the fourth century BC
but sixteenth and seventeenth century military structures
president of the Historical Institute of Terceira Island
archaeologists from Lisbon-based Portuguese Association of Archaeological Research (APIA)
Carthaginian temples they believe to have been dedicated to the ancient goddess Tanit
“The time of human settlement in the Azores may not be what history says
but a different one based on the archeological evidence found on the archipelago.”
The president of the Historical Institute of Terceira
arguing that “between fantasy and reality,” he believed the APIA’s claims had “much more to do with fantasy.”
The president of Lisbon-based Portuguese Archaeologists Association
cautioned that “in archeology all is possible” and that the findings needed to be scrutinized scientifically
For the archaeologists at Lisbon-based Center for Modern and Contemporary Archaeological Studies
and the findings were the sort of “Indiana Jones sensationalism,” lacking scientific validation
Reiterating they have collected enough evidence to support their claim, the APIA’s archeologists said they will present their findings at the upcoming international archaeological conference in Évora (Portugal)
and a conference in Florence (Italy) in 2012
Small tremors hit the mid-Atlantic group of islands causing officials to trigger emergency plans
About 1,100 small earthquakes have rattled one of Portugal’s mid-Atlantic volcanic islands in under 48 hours
prompting authorities to activate an emergency plan as experts assess a “seismic crisis”
head of the Azores archipelago’s seismo-volcanic surveillance centre Civisa
had been recorded on the island of São Jorge since Saturday afternoon
were reported along the island’s volcanic fissure of Manadas
View image in fullscreenSatellite map showing seismic activity at São Jorge island. Photograph: Civisa/ReutersSāo Jorge, one of nine islands which make up the Azores, is home to about 8,400 people and is part of the archipelago’s central group, which includes the popular tourist destinations of Faial and Pico, which are also volcanic.
Describing it as a preventive measure, Luis Silveira, the mayor of the municipality of Velas, where much of Sāo Jorge’s population lives, signed a document on Monday to activate an emergency plan.
Read moreThe sudden increase in seismic activity is reminiscent of the earthquake swarms detected prior to the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on Spain’s La Palma island last year
about 870 miles (1,400km) southeast of the Azores
that eruption destroyed thousands of properties and crops
Civisa has yet to establish what the series of tremors might signify
“It is still not possible to know the behaviour pattern of this seismic crisis,” Marques told the Lusa news agency
Civisa has sent teams to the ground to set up two additional seismic monitoring stations on the island and to measure soil gases
the regional Civil Protection authority said it had already contacted local mayors and fire units
and asked them to “remain vigilant” and help the people of São Jorge if needed
It urged people to stay calm and follow the recommendations of officials
Only 63 of the 1,100 earthquakes registered so far have been felt by the population
“We must be a bit concerned,” he told Antena 1 radio station
“We should not raise an alarm but we will be attentive to the evolution of the situation.”
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Azores, Portugal: A Luxury Island Adventure...For FreeUpdated Feb 1, 2020By Patti Morrow
My Life changed completely when I became a travel blogger
That might sound like a bit much to some people but I love adventure...and it helped that I was able to do it without worrying about money
One of my favorite destinations I visited was the Azores
a Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the northern Atlantic Ocean
I hiked up the remnants of extinct volcano Monte Brasil
From my vantage point at the top of my hike
I enjoyed breathtaking views of the Bay of Angra do Heroismo—and the city from which it takes its name
Angra do Heroismo is home to a beautifully restored historic center and surrounded by rolling green landscapes
fresh barnacles and limpets at an ocean-view cafe
and gorged myself on alcatra—a tender beef roasted slowly in a clay pot with a savory sauce made with wine
I crisscrossed through black volcanic vineyards
and went spelunking at Gruta das Torres—an underground lava tube
the most visited of the Azores' islands
took a tour of the pineapple and tea plantations
and soaked my stress away in the natural hot springs
My flight was booked and covered entirely by the Azores tourism board
I stayed in four hotels—three oceanfront boutique resorts and one ultra-modern high-rise—all of which were booked and paid for
I was given a local guide on each of the four islands who showed me the iconic sights as well as the off-the-beaten-path areas that only locals know about
In addition to the articles I wrote for my blog
I was able to sell some articles about my trip to other publications and blogs
one of the resorts I stayed at asked if I would review their hotel and place an ad on my blog (for which I receive a monthly payment)
I was invited back to visit some of the other islands in the archipelago later this year
and you will never have to work a day in your life." I couldn't have said it better myself
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Azores
Check out these seven unmissable things to do in Terceira - you won’t regret it
It’s the second most populated island in the Azores
but it is number one in terms of nightlife
Terceira is a mandatory pitstop for whoever goes to the Atlantic in search of surprising landscapes - or of a place to organise the invasion of Iraq
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Fotografia: Rui SoaresSuffice to say the city has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. So go ahead: walk around the cobbled streets, admire the old houses, watch the marina, go up Monte Brasil, and so forth. But add these three must-sees to your list.
Loja Basílio Simões e Irmãos: a time capsule of sorts where you can buy seeds, sweets and teas in bulk. Like a Vida Portuguesa store, but authentic. Located on Rua Direita.
O Forno: a top bakery to try the famous D. Amélia, a very sweet and, how can we put it?, filling, queijada (Portuguese cheesecake).
Jardím Público de Angra: also known as Jardim Duque da Terceira. A classic garden, spread on several levels, next to Angra’s Museum and the Alto da Memória, an obelisk erected in honor of King Pedro IV of Portugal’s visit to Terceira.
© José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa This long sandy beach has nothing to envy to its Algarve counterparts, and in the summer, it gets “busy”. The bars and restaurants have adapted to the demands of tourists and to the friendly invasion from the local American military base. As a result, they serve is piri-piri chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers.
©Carlos Luis M C da Cruz Even if the only reason you came to Terceira was to plan the invasion of an oil-rich Arab country, make some time to go up to Serra do Cume (a strange name that literally means “mountain of the summit”). The view from up there will either remind you of Lord of the Rings, a green bedspread, a moss plantation, or the largest concentration of football pitches in the world.
Fotografia: Rui SoaresWhen we say an afternoon, we mean a day. Or several. These natural swimming pools were carved by lava flows and are full of nooks and crannies to swim or soak in - there’s also a Bart Simpson drawing and other post-volcanic art pieces. Various kiosks sell local specialities: give the queijadas and jams a try.
Tip: Biscoitos’ famous vineyards, which started as early as the first human settlement on the island and were recently revived, are right there next to the sea. Look for the “magma” and “muros de magma” white wines, of the verdelho grape, which were launched in 2017.
Fotografia: Rui SoaresAlgar do Carvão is a monument erected by Mother Nature some 3,200 years ago, with the help of lava from a volcano that is now long dormant. This is the closest you will get to a reenactment of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. The Mountaineers Association manages this and other geological points of interest. Entrance costs €6, but there’s also a €9 ticket that gives access to the Christmas Cave.
©Rui SoaresIt’s the island of trails and extreme sports
of tinned tuna and island cheese (the real queijo da Ilha)
these stretches of land formed by lava on the coasts of the Azores Islands
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The data were released by the Azores Water and Waste Services Regulatory Authority (ERSARA)
the Regional Government of the Azores said in a press release
in which it stressed that “the Azores have been experiencing a trend in the improvement of the quality of water for human consumption over recent years”
“full compliance with the regulatory sampling frequency” was maintained and there was “a slight increase in compliance with the parametric values
This year ERSARA awarded the “Seal of Water Quality for Human Consumption” to the Lagoa
Ribeira Grande and São Roque do Pico municipal councils
as well as to the municipal company Praia Ambiente
the Municipal Services (SM) of Angra do Heroísmo and the Municipal Services of Water and Sanitation (SMAS) of Ponta Delgada
and despite not obtaining this distinction
of the highest quality at a national level
not presenting any risk to public health”
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Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal
the chairman of the board of directors of the Hospital Internacional dos Açores
said that the new unit in Lagoa features more than 40 specialties
and intends to offer its customers “excellent health care”
there are only three hospitals in the Azores
all assigned to the Regional Health Service
it will be possible to avoid travel to the continent by users of the Regional Health Service and to combat waiting lists in the public system.This is the case
The person in charge of the administration of the Hospital Internacional dos Açores stated that it will be possible to promote an “elimination of distances
also using collaborations with external agents connected to the health service
having already signed agreements with several insurers and ADSE
considered that this is a "historic day" for the city
since it is the largest private investment made in the municipality and that
The private hospital unit will create 300 jobs and will be equipped with a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance device
endovascular and surgical procedures to be combined in the same space
The Azores International Hospital was opened three years after the laying of the first stone
in a ceremony that was also attended by the president of the Regional Government
That hospital unit is not yet fully operational and the administration envisages the phased opening of services until it is fully operational
Luxembourg is one of the countries attending a summit Thursday and Friday regarding the creation of an international research centre on Terceira Island in the Azores.
The Grand Duchy is one of 29 nations at the "Atlantic Interactions" meeting where more than 200 participants are expected.
The conference preparatory debate should result in a plan for the set-up of the “Atlantic International Research Centre", aimed at research with practical applications in the areas of climate, oceans, atmosphere, renewable energy, space and data processing.
The Azores archipelago is considered a region with the potential to host an aerospace port, and could be a strategic partner for the Luxembourg space agency, currently being created by the government.
Representatives of governments, companies and academic and scientific institutions should all be present at the summit.
The list of speakers includes the Director-General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Johann-Dietrich Woerner, as well as Science and Technology Ministers from South Africa, Nigeria and Senegal.
In addition to Luxembourg, delegations from the following countries are also in attendance: Angola, Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Colombia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, South, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay and the United States.
The European Commission and Parliament, as well as the United Nations, will also be represented.
The summit programme includes many workshops including space exploration, which Luxembourg has a keen interest in.
HealthcareLuxembourg to offer new homegrown midwifery qualificationUniversity of Luxembourg is launching four-year degree to train more midwives
State financesLuxembourg recorded budget surplus in Q1Gilles Roth presented state of national economy report to parliament’s finance committees on Tuesday
PoliticsHow much do Luxembourg ministers really earn?In addition to basic salary, ministers are entitled to monthly allowances of up to €8,000 and end-of-year bonuses
EvacuationWeapon used in Kirchberg scare was fakeMan armed with fake gun caused commotion at bank branch on Monday
Schengen AreaLuxembourg hopes for dialogue with Germany over border checksTens of thousands of people commute to work in Luxembourg every day
Job searchBeen job-hunting unsuccessfully for more than six months? If you’ve had several months of rejection letters or never made it beyond first interviews, here’s what you might be doing wrong
Financial scandalSpuerkeess rejects blame in Caritas embezzlement case Representatives tell parliament that the bank followed all internal procedures with its client
PoliticsGermany in political chaos after Merz loses chancellor voteMerz fell short with 310 votes out of the required 316
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The Bilingual Schools Programme in English will begin in the Azores next school year with teacher training and will be implemented in the 2025/2026 school year.
which is "voluntary for schools," will be implemented "as a teaching experiment." It is aimed at "the elementary school level in the public and private networks within the regional education system."
the project "has as its general principle the teaching of 30% of the students' weekly workload in English," encompassing English
"We are talking about curricular components strongly based on practice
which foster interaction and communication among students and
facilitate the introduction of a foreign language into the classroom," she added
at an event attended by 166 teachers from regional schools
the programme has the collaboration of the British Council and is based on the Ministry of Education's Bilingual Schools in English Programme
Angra do Heroismo has a high level of seismic activity
Based on data from the past 55 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900
there are about 534 quakes on average per year in or near Angra do Heroismo
Angra do Heroismo has had at least 6 quakes above magnitude 5 since 1970
which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently
probably on average approximately every 5 to 10 years
The last earthquake in Angra do Heroismo occurred 3 days ago and had a magnitude of 2.0: Mag. 2.0 earthquake Azores Islands - Portugal - writeAge(1746288770)A light magnitude 2.0 earthquake hit 15.1 km (9 mi) away from Angra do Heroismo, Azores, Portugal
The quake had a very shallow depth of 8.5 km (5.3 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so)
Angra do Heroismo was shaken by 2 quakes of magnitude 4.0 or above
2025 at 4.51 pm local time (Atlantic/Azores GMT -1)
The depth of the quake is unknown.The quake was felt widely in the area.