Did you know that the Azores also have their own Carnival traditions? Have you ever heard of the Battle of the Limes?
Well, if you plan to travel to the Azores during Carnival, you can expect an island in celebration, full of revelers and good-humored people where fun is more than guaranteed.
The highlight of São Miguel’s Carnival is the traditional Battle of the Limes, which takes place on Carnival Tuesday and brings thousands of people to the Ponta Delgada waterfront in trucks or on foot, trying to soak passersby and fighting each other, transforming the waterfront into a water battlefield, a unique tradition in the country. The battle began with flowers, which were later replaced by limes, that is, small paraffin containers handcrafted to fill with water. But these containers are giving way to plastic bags as weapons of combat. In addition to the combatants in the trucks, there are also those who choose to fight on the ground, with bags of water or limes to “throw” at anyone who dares to pass by.
Besides the Battle of the Limas, Carnival is celebrated in various places on the island with traditional glamorous gala balls at the Coliseu Micaelense, and other masked and costumed balls throughout the island.
So if you’re thinking about where to spend the next Carnival, remember that in the Azores you’ll have the opportunity to experience a unique tradition that you’ll surely remember.
