When is the Santo Cristo Festival in 2026? Complete Guide for São Miguel, Azores

Rusnaka BES
Dec 17
2 min read

The Santo Cristo Festival is the most important religious event in São Miguel, Azores, attracting thousands of visitors and locals every year. For 2026, the festival will run from May 8 to May 14, with the main procession taking place on Sunday, May 10, 2026. This is the perfect opportunity to witness centuries-old traditions, vibrant processions, and deep local devotion.

What is the Santo Cristo Festival?

The Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres festival is dedicated to the miraculous image of Christ in Ponta Delgada. It is celebrated with processions, church ceremonies, flower carpets, music, and cultural rituals that have been preserved for generations. Pilgrims and visitors alike take part in the festivities, making it Europe’s largest religious celebration in the Azores.

During the festival, expect:

Walking processions through Ponta Delgada, culminating at the city’s main churches
Vibrant flower carpets decorating the streets
Traditional music and Azorean devotion ceremonies
Opportunities to visit historic churches and chapels across the city

When is the Santo Cristo Festival in 2026?

Festival Dates: May 8–14, 2026
Main Procession: Sunday, May 10, 2026
Location: Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores

Experience the Santo Cristo Festival with a Guided Travel Package

For travelers who want a fully immersive experience, the Faith & Tradition São Miguel Travel Package is perfectly timed for the Santo Cristo 2026 Festival. Running from May 7–13, 2026, this 7-day itinerary includes:

6 nights in a 4★ hotel in Ponta Delgada, with daily breakfast
Guided walking tours of Ponta Delgada’s historic and spiritual sites
Full-day van tours to sacred churches, Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, and Furnas
Participation in the main Santo Cristo procession on May 10
All entrances, lunches, and transfers included