The way that the Azorians made to get to Santa Catarina, in the century of XVIII, has been certainly followed by a lot of pain and apprehension. However, what these immigrants planted in the Brazilian culture, especially in Florianópolis, traveled across centuries and it is still influencing the cultural scenery of the region.

From day to day in this exciting capital, the tradition of the Azorian handiwork is still recognized on the design of the fishing nets, bobbin-laces and "tramóias", tapestry and in the confections of "esteiras" (a piece of coarse fabric made of woven grass), "balaios" (basket made of straw) and "gaiolas" (bird cages).

         
The dishes made of fish, mussels and crustaceous enrich the culinary of the Island and of the Continent. On the dances and "folguedos" (folklore), the liveliest examples of this tradition are present on the dances of "Pau de Fita" and on the "Folguedo do Boi Mamão".  The religious devotion has accompanied the Azorian people, that is why the religious parties are still the most expressive aspects of this culture. Among these parties, it is worth to note the party of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, the Senhor Jesus dos Passos procession, the party of Divino Espírito Santo and the Terno dos Reis.

The literature has been enriched by the "quadrinhas" (popular ditty or verses, ding dong), the "Pão-por-Deus", the Proverbs, "Cantigas" (poetry set to music) and Legends. We may not forget the oral mode of speech, a registered mark of the native people of Florianópolis, and that is characterized by a singed sound and for a high speed on the flexion of the voice. It has been said that a bit of the Azorian soul has remained here.

 

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

• Ponte Hercílio Luz, post card of Florianópolis, is one the the biggest suspension bridge of the world, with 819 meters of length and two towers of 75 meters high from the sea level, inaugurated on the 13^th of May of 1926, with the aim to connect the island to the continent. Presently, it is closed for any kind of traffic.

• Mercado Público, also known as the Fish Market, its architecture follows the Azorian style; it is one of the most beautiful building of the city. It has 140 stands and receives around ten thousand people per day. There you can find the famous Box 32, that on Saturdays hosts a Samba and Pagode party.

• Casa da Alfândega, neoclassic style, it was built in 1876 and deactivated in 1964, with the closure of the port. It has been restored posteriorly, and now it hosts the gallery of the Associação dos Artistas Plásticos de Santa Catarina, and the IPHAN- Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Nacional together with a handiwork shop. It is located at Rua Conselheiro Mafra, next to the Mercado Público.

• Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência, located on the corner of the Felipe Schmidt Street with Deodoro Street. Also known as the Democratic Corner, where all the public manifestations occur.

• Praça XV de Novembro, where the Figueira Centenária is located. The legend says that the visitor that goes around the tree three times will come back to Florianópolis.

• Palácio Cruz e Souza, historical museum of Santa Catarina, former palace of the govern. It was built by the Portuguese, in neoclassic style, in the century of XVIII. Formerly called the Palácio Rosado, it was rebaptized with its actual name, in honour of the poet Cruz e Souza. Located at Praça XV de Novembro, 227.

• Catedral Metropolitana, located at Praça XV de Novembro. In the same square you can find the Azorian style houses.

• Museu Victor Meirelles, it was in this house where this painter was born and lately it has become a museum of his works. There you can find the famous paint of the first Church Mass in Brazil.

• Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário, on the top of the stairs of Rosário. Downtown.

• Morro da Cruz, the highest Hill of downtown. It offers a great panoramic view of the island.

• Armazém Vieira, a very intersting place, over 160 years old. It has the biggest drinks menu of the island.

• Fortaleza de São José de Ponta Grossa, built in 1749, to avoid foreign invasions, it has 16 cannons. It has been totally restored. Located at Praia do Forte.

• Fortaleza de Santo Antônio, with 13 cannons, it was built in 1744, located on the Island of Ratones Grande.

• Museu Mundo Ovo de Eli Heil, with a permanent exhibition of the art works of the artist Eli Heil.

• Santo Antônio de Lisboa, this village was built by Azorian immigrants, and it hosts houses of over 200 years old. It was the birthplace of the colonization of the region.

• Sambaqui, it is worth to observe the production of oysters, and you can even buy fresh ones.