This Sunday in my village of Ribeirinha, the streets transformed into a canvas, and I had the privilege of joining my neighbors to create a beautiful, fleeting masterpiece. Right outside my garage, we worked side-by-side to build the annual flower carpet, a tradition that is a cornerstone of our community’s celebration.

This centuries-old tradition, dating back to the 17th century, is a beautiful act of faith and collective artistry. We use a vibrant array of local flowers, petals, and other natural materials to meticulously fill patterns that cover the street. The carpet is an intricate, hand-crafted work of art, a sacred path laid out for the day’s religious procession to walk upon. There is a special kind of magic in knowing that this beautiful piece will only last for a single day, making the effort and the final result even more precious.

Today was particularly special, as our village’s band was joined by three others from neighboring parishes within Ribeira Grande. This convergence of communities created a much larger, more festive crowd, filling our small town with an incredible energy. For many, these festivals are a homecoming. You’ll see countless families reuniting as overseas Azoreans return for the celebration, eager to reconnect with family and friends and to once again be a part of these cherished traditions.

More than just a beautiful piece of art, the flower carpet is a symbol of our community’s spirit. It’s a powerful expression of our shared heritage, bringing everyone together to create something beautiful, if only for a day, and to celebrate the rich history that binds us all.