S. Bras: Relheiras, Ramo Grande and Bodo Tradition

When deciding on your trip to S. Bras, you can distinguish between nature, architectural heritage, and tradition by visiting specific places. The Relheiras de São Brás circular trail combines woodland scenery with traces of history; the architecture, the Centro Interpretativo de Cultura Rural do Ramo Grande, and the Bodo Sundays offer further highlights.

Architecture and history in São Brás

São Brás is home to well-preserved examples of Ramo Grande architecture. The residential architecture is closely integrated into the parish and is in excellent condition. This makes the building tradition more than just a name: it is a tangible part of the town’s architectural character.

The Centro Interpretativo de Cultura Rural do Ramo Grande is a sociocultural and tourist facility in São Brás. It presents the history of the parish and the entire Ramo Grande area, spanning from the local community to the wider region.

The Associação Império de São Brás is located at Largo da Igreja, in the parish of São Brás in the municipality of Praia da Vitória on the island of Terceira. It was founded in 1875 and rebuilt in 1956. These dates mark two distinct stages in its history: its founding and its reconstruction.

Relheiras de São Brás circular trail

The Relheiras de São Brás circular trail runs mostly through the Biscoito das Fontinhas woodland. This area is classified as a protected area for the management of habitats or species. The trail passes through the São Brás picnic park towards the forest garden for native species, linking several nature-focused sections.

The Relheiras themselves are grooves of varying depth and width, carved into the rock by years of heavy ox-cart traffic. Their formation illustrates the historic use of the trail. The Fonte do Cão, a site of historical and cultural interest, is also located along the trail.

Plants and wildlife also shape the trail. A corridor featuring marked endemic plant species forms part of its route. Along the way, old stands of eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus globulus) and Japanese cedar trees (Cryptomeria japonica) provide important habitat for a variety of Azorean endemic invertebrates. The woodland section is also a nesting site for the Azores wood pigeon (Columba palumbus azorica).

Bodo traditions and culinary customs

The Bodo in São Brás is part of the recurring tradition of the Divino Espírito Santo. On the two Bodo Sundays, bread and wine are blessed after the solemn coronation mass and then distributed to everyone present. At the Bodo Sunday celebration in the churchyard, visitors are served a variety of petiscos, Massa Sovada, and wine.

If the Bodo celebration is a key factor in your trip, check the specific dates before booking your hotel.

Discover more destinations: Cabo Da Praia, Porto Martins, Ribeirinha, Altares, Fontinhas, Agualva, Quatro Ribeiras, Santa Barbara

For the broader travel overview: Terceira.