Lagoa is a town and municipality on the south coast of the island of São Miguel with a population of around 14 416 inhabitants, spread over its 5 parishes: Santa Cruz and locality of Remédios, Rosário and locality of Atalhada, Cabouco, Água de Pau and locality of Caloura and Ribeira Chã. Lagoa was elevated to a city in 2012.
When the discoverers arrived on the island of São Miguel, Lagoa was one of the first places to be populated. Being located between Vila Franca do Campo and Ponta Delgada, two important centres on the island of São Miguel, it allowed the development and dynamisation of the then town of Lagoa, which was considered by King D. João III, in 1522, to be one of the best agricultural regions on the island with its wheat, pastel and wine cultivation. The Porto dos Carneiros, in Lagoa, had an important economic activity through the export of products and the sale of fish. From the 19th century onwards, with the orange cultivation, Lagoa became one of the main centres of orange cultivation and exportation, which eventually led to its prosperity. After the orange, came the cultivation of tobacco, beetroot and chicory, thus beginning the manufacturing activity in Lagoa and consequently a significant economic development.
On an architectural level, in Lagoa, there are beautiful houses, manor houses, chapels and churches which have an important patrimonial value, among which are the Franciscan Convent which serves as the Municipal Library Tomaz de Borba Vieira; Casa da Cultura Carlos César; Solar da Atalhada; the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.
In Lagoa we can find a magnificent bathing area, in the parish of Rosário, which is the Lagoa swimming pool complex composed of a covered pool, natural pools, a semi-olympic pool and pools for children.
In the city of Lagoa, it is the religious festivals that stand out the most and animate the population with their festivals and processions, namely the feast of Santa Cruz and the feast in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary. In the Franciscan Convent, every year the white party is held in its installations, providing its participants with a night of celebration and great animation. For the Popular Saints, in June, Lagoa celebrates in honour of the matchmaker Saint Anthony, where the popular marches are held and also the Brides of Saint Anthony could not be missed.
Last modified: 20 de April, 2022
