In September 2007, Graciosa island was classified as a Biosphere Reserve, becoming part of the UNESCO (United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Network of Biosphere Reserves by decision of the Bureau of the International Coordinating Council of the MaB Programme (Man and the Biosphere). United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization por decisão do Bureau do Conselho Internacional de Coordenação do Programa MaB (O Homem e a Biosfera).

This recognition reflects Graciosa's particular environmental, heritage and cultural features, such as: the Praia and Baixo Islets, where colonies of seabirds’ nest; the Furna do Enxofre, renowned for its imposing lava cave, with a perfect vaulted ceiling; the Graciosa house and the architecture of the water, which make the island's architecture unique.

To highlight the local products of the Biosphere Reserves, the Biosfera Açores brand was created. Among the products from Graciosa that have been registered are Queijadas da Graciosa, a typical pastry from the island renowned for its unmistakable flavour, and the white wine called Pedras Brancas.

This award reinforces the island's commitment to sustainability, the preservation of its natural and built heritage and the promotion of local traditions, projecting Graciosa as an example of harmony between human beings and the environment.

Links:

• • Portugal Biosphere Reserves
  • SIARAM

The date of its discovery is uncertain, although it is likely that it was the initiative of sailors from the neighbouring island of Terceira. It is known for certain that it received cattle on the orders of Prince Infante Dom Henrique and that, by the middle of the 15th century, it already had settlers, with Vasco Gil Sodré, a native of Montemor-o-Velho, along with his family and servants, being the pioneer and explorer of the island. He built his house in Carapacho, where he landed. Although he made efforts to have the island donated to him and built a Customs House, the captaincy of the northern part of the island was handed over to Pedro Correia da Cunha, Cristóvão Colombo's brother-in-law, and that of the southern part to Duarte de Barreto.

The increase in population coming, according to some historians, from Beiras, Minho and also from Flanders, as well as the prosperity of the island, led to Santa Cruz being granted a town charter in 1486 and the same honour being given to Praia in 1546.
From the beginning, Graciosa dedicated itself to agriculture and planting vines, and in the 16th c. it was already exporting wheat, barley, wine and brandy. With a predominantly agricultural economy, and all its trade with the island of Terceira, which had a port frequented by large ships and was the economic and administrative centre, Graciosa suffered attacks and plundering by privateers during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Queijadas da Graciosa
Inspired by the recipe for covilhetes de leite, this queijada (cheescake) is a typical sweet from the island, with a star shaped cover and a filling with a subtle cinnamon flavour. It is a true ex-libris of Graciosa.

Alho da Graciosa
Graciosa garlic is distinguished from the rest by its red skin and more intense aroma and flavour. At national level, Graciosa garlic has been awarded the Protected Geographical Indication classification, which guarantees the quality and delicacy of the product

Mariscos
There are plenty of limpets, barnacles, lobsters and Mediterranean slipper lobster on this island.

Molho à Pescador
Made with fresh fish caught off the coast of Graciosa, this dish is a different version of fish broth and is defined by mixing the broth from cooking the fish with raw sauce, seasoned with the typical Graciosa garlic, saffron, parsley and cumin.

Meloa da Graciosa
With its rough, yellow skin, green interior and unique flavour, the Graciosa cantaloupe stands out from the rest for the sweetness it acquires due to the particular characteristics of the soil and the low rainfall on the island.

Vinho
Produced mainly from the traditional verdelho grape variety, it also produces wine brandy, angelica and other liqueurs.

Festas do Espírito Santo

On all the islands of the Azores, and in the Azorean communities around the world, the festivities in honour of the Divine Holy Spirit are kept alive. This celebration, dedicated to the third person of the Holy Trinity, takes place on the seventh Sunday after Easter, the day of Pentecost.

On the island of Graciosa, these festivities last for several weeks. During this period, the crowns and flags of the Holy Spirit are carried from house to house in a symbolic gesture of faith. In each home that receives the banners, the rosary is prayed daily and religious songs are sung in his honour.

On the day of Pentecost, six “bodos” are held in the island's parishes, during which the traditional offerings are distributed to all the brothers and sisters. These consist of a portion of beef, a loaf of bread and mulled wine. Also, on this day, there is a procession which, after leaving the church, heads to the Chapel (Império), where the crowns and flags are put on display. In the Chapel, offerings are also collected, which usually include cattle, “alfenim” (sweet), sweet dough and rice pudding.

The traditional lunch is served in the house of the “mordomo”, the person responsible for preparing the whole festival, or in the parish hall: the typical Sopas do Espírito Santo, accompanied by boiled meat or meat sandwiches and “vinho de cheiro” (typical wine). Dessert includes sweet pastry and rice pudding. The entertainment is provided by philharmonic bands or revellers.

In the days leading up to the “bodo”, the population also comes together to prepare the “rosquilhas” (sweet), the symbol of this season. In some cases, these are baked in local bakeries, which help to preserve this tradition on the island.

This celebration is more than a religious act, it is a living expression of the cultural identity of Graciosa and the Azores, a legacy passed down from generation to generation in a spirit of faith and sharing.

Location: All over the island
Dates: From May to September, with special emphasis on the seventh Sunday after Easter
Responsible Entity: Brotherhoods of the Holy Spirit

Carnaval na Graciosa
The Graciosa Carnival stands out from the rest due to its long period of time: it starts at the end of December and intensifies in the last three weeks before Carnival Day. It is a popular event open to all, which takes place at the local Community Centres, with dances, ballroom dancing and costumes. These take place all over the island until the early hours of the morning, and it is a tradition to have several dances on the same night. Every year, around 20 different costumes are presented during Carnival Week, made by local seamstresses and choreographed and presented in the halls of different local organisations.

Location: Graciosa Island
Date: End of December - Carnival Week
Responsible Entity: Local Groups

Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres
In addition to its religious component, the festivities of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres include a range of popular events, including musical shows, exhibitions, parades, sporting activities, bullfights on a rope and bullfights in a square, among others.

Location: Graciosa Island
Dates: August
Responsible Entity: Festival Committee

Graciosa Sound Fest
As part of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities, the Graciosa Sound Fest is a musical event featuring regional and national bands, as well as DJs. The festival takes place in an indoor space in the Pesqueira area and lasts four days.

Location: Graciosa Island
Dates: August
Responsible Entity: Festival Committee