Senhor Santo Cristo Society

Each year in spring, the Society hosts a two-day event which comprises the nossa senhora de fatima mass (the mass) and the festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos milagres (the festa). The mass on the first day honors culturally important saints, and is followed the next day by the festa, a day of celebration, in which the community shares in traditional azorean food and games as a way to keep connected to and learn about the azorean heritage. The event features a procession in which volunteers carry the statue of Senhor Santo Cristo. This statue was brought from portugal over 30 years ago, and is a religious artifact which serves as the focal point for the Society and its activities.

The Society puts on various other religious and cultural events and feasts, which help to educate the public about and maintain the communitys awareness and closeness to its historical traditions. These fee based events such as crab and pork feeds, an annual auction, and showings of artworks created by azorean artists, which are followed by performances of traditional dance and music. The societys events are open to the public. Those who can afford to contribute are asked to consider making a donation to the Society, but those who cannot are invited to eat and participate for free. These events serve to raise awareness of azorean religious and cultural traditions in the broader community. Amounts fundraised at these events help the Society sponsor visits by religious figures of great importance in the azores, pay for the following years cultural events, and provide meals to individuals and families who would not otherwise be able to participate.