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The Parish offers endless conditions for quality rural tourism in Historic, Cultural, and Gastronomical and Natural Landscape terms.
Click here to see photos of Prainha Parish
Historically, Prainha is one of the most ancient parishes in Pico Island having countless landmarks of its history as well as the existence of several hermitages and churches, mainly “Nossa Senhora da Ajuda” church, dating back to the 18 th century, which reminds us of the religious strength of the inhabitants and the several sournessess which they went through, namely the lava spilling of September the 21 st 1542 that slided into the Ocean, forming the famous “Mistérios” and destroying part of the parish and its Church.
Prainha is still widely known for the activity the population once dedicated themselves to: the production of the famous “Verdelho” wine, known throughout the world, served to the Russian Czars, shipped in large vats in “Baía das Canas” harbour. Several remainings of its transportation are still visible along the slops (tracks and pathways).
Its ways and traditions are still of touristic interest, namely the “Espírito Santo” festivities , which take place seven weeks after Easter Celebration, honouring the “Espírito Santo”. It consists of High Mass, Sermon and Coronation, followed by lunch: meat soup, cabbage and potatoes, roasted meat, red wine, “arroz doce”, wheat and sweet bread
Afterwards there is the country festival and in the afternoon the distribution of “yesterday cakes” to everyone.
The “Nossa Senhora da Ajuda” festivity – the parish’s patron, takes place on August the 15 th and it is the biggest celebration in the entire parish. The pig slaughter is also a tradition in almost every house. It is a happy and festal day, relatives and friends help each other. Sausage with “Inhame” is one of the most appreciated dishes.
The parish also offers several leisure areas like the Prainha Forest Natural Park with endemic vegetation, children’s playground and barbeque and meeting points. You can also watch some wild animals like, for example, dears. It also offers wonderful panoramic views over the craggy slopes and of the nearby São Jorge Island.
