Entertainment and culture: Terceira Island has many attractions. People of Terceira give much importance to cultural aspects, as well as to entertainment.
The festivities that take place in Terceira Island are the most cheerful of the Azores and include many specific aspects: “Alcatra” (meat stew) and “Sopas do Espírito Santo” (a special soup) are part of the festival’s gastronomy; “foliőes”, a group of men colourfully dressed, sing and play instruments; and “tourada à corda”, a unique bullfighting played in the streets, greatly enjoyed, is played with the ox tied with a rope and controlled while he runs through the streets, challenged with umbrellas and coats by the bravest. During the festivities in honour to S. Joăo, the animation is very lively; the festival begins on a Friday and continues for ten days till the second following Sunday. Music concerts, sport competitions, theatre, bullfighting and fire work are included in the festivities program. The most important time of the festival is achieved with the popular parades: the characters are colourfully dressed, and march singing original lyrics, especially made for this night, filling the ambience with their joy.
The bullfight in the square receives the participation of famous bullfighters, and counts with the quality of the cattle-breeder of Terceira Island.
Praia da Vitória City celebrates its festivities during August: music concerts, folklore, sport competitions, exhibitions and parades. The bullfighting in the sand and the firework are the most remarkable events.