Tourist, Cultural and Economic Guide of Ribeirinha

Characteristics of the Parish

We edit the present Guide of the parish to give to know the tourist potentialities of Ribeirinha. The Ribeirinha is placed in the south coast of the Terceira Island, to the north-east of Angra do Heroísmo, between the tip of the Mina and the Monte Brasil, Its 3,8Km from Angra do Heroísmo, enclosing an area of 7,9Km2. Is extended from the coast where in the East meets with the parish of Feteira in the West with S. Bento, to the North with the parish of Porto Judeu and to the South with the maritime edge. It possesses 3,391 inhabitants is one of the most populated of this County, only surpassed by three out of the five that constitute the city of Angra do Heroísmo, 985 families distributed by 957 buildings, according to general census of 2001. The Ribeirinha is a land of laborious and enterprising people, the active population is attached to diverse activities: in the field of farming, its the main activity, because the natural conditions allow it. The ground is fertile, due to the abundance of water, the maize and the wheat are abundant in this lands, with harvests to export more than five hundred moios (measure for corn), excluded the one sold to other parishes. The majority of its inhabitants dedicates to Farming. The cattle heads are very numerous. The cattle, especially bovine, always had great tradition in Ribeirinha. The service sector also occupies a significant part of the population. The population was the main supplier of milk to the city. In the beginnings of century XX, it produce daily about three thousand canadas (measure for milk), not to mention the existence of many workers of the construction, carpentry, restoration of furniture, painters, and any services. Significant part of the active population is dislocated and work in Angra do Heroísmo, and other parishes, especially the construction workers and others.

The Junta de freguesia (civil parish of small legislative body in the government), in narrow partnership with the Casa do Povo (People's House), has developed intense activity, the execution of important and necessary workmanships to the development of the parish.
This is our tribute, the diffusion of the parish of Ribeirinha.
The Serra da Ribeirinha, with 410 meters of altitude, is the highest point of our parish. Here, you will be able to get a good panoramic view of all parish of Ribeirinha, the city of Angra do Heroísmo, the Monte Brasil, the Ilhéus das Cabras and the parish of Feteira. You will still be able to contemplate the landscape of the interior of the Island. This lookout point is a place that invites to a more delayed permanence to a bigger appreciation, to a more fruitful conviviality between the spectator and the environment where he is inserted. After delighting the eyes with the enthusiastic landscape that this lookout point provides, continue down the slope passing by the interior of the parish of Ribeirinha.

HISTORY

There isn't many documents of the primitive history of Ribeirinha. We knows, however, that already existed in 1486 a small curate with 40 inhabitants of the parochial church of S. Sebastião. It was, then, a simple place of the Village of S. Sebastião, from which it became and independent parish in 1568, for regal letter of 30 of July of this exact year and a royal decree raised the money of the vicar, Pe. António Pimenta de Araújo, by twenty six thousand réis. wrote José Joaquim Pinheiro, admitting the hypothesis that it was given to the Flanders,colony abandoned by Fernão Dulmo, these lands since the mountain range of Ribeirinha until Feteira. And in truth, certain uses and customs that the actual inhabitants of this populous parish, and that they kept between itself, as a sacred duty, and over all the harshness of its proper dialect entirely different of the rest of the parishes and populations of the island, seems to indicate that this assumption is true. It was of this parish that, in 1641, for occasion of the fight against D. Filipe, was formed the company commanded by Captain Manuel Jacques de Oliveira who attacked the fortress of S. Sebastião (Castelinho) taking it by assault, imprisoning the Spanish Officer, governed it for some time, delivering it later to Cardoso Luís Machado, that received it by royal decree.

In this parish is located a Fountain called Furna de Água, sweet water spring, in the last century, it supplied seventeen of the eighteen fountains found there. On the beginning only had one, A Fonte, for supplying of its inhabitants. Now it has twenty four fountains and taps, diverse public washers, with canalized water. Is one of richest parishes in water of the island, the water ran in the creek that crosses the Ribeirinha from North to South, as seen in its name (Ribeirinha = Creek).
The Ribeirinha made use of the long mountain range of innumerable fountains for the cattle, perhaps one more reason to have that name. However, in the lack of document officially recorded, we only have to trust is in tradition. Its Inauguration of electricity was in 4 of April of 1931. It was the first agricultural parish from Terceira to benefit of this treat, being scarce the number of housings that do not use it. It was said that a mill powered by electricity, established in 1949 by Joaquim Rodrigues Bettencourt, grind daily an average of three moios of wheat. Sold in 1968 to José Nunes Toste and Francisco Natal Rodrigues, its deactivated since 1969.
It was the habit that in the day of Friday Of The Friends there were a collective slaughter of the pig. The stools to the sacrifice were set in the sides of the street, next to the house that has the swine to slaughter. The joy and flurry of the people, allied to the festive tone of the act, transform the street into a party. People from the city and several places of the island, come into Ribeirinha, cheerful and curious to witness the rare show. In this parish, long ago, existed at least, five brotherhoods: Of the Santíssimo Sacramento, of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, of Senhor Santo Cristo, of São Pedro and of Santo Antão. The parochial older known documents are, the baptism and marriages, date of 1630. The main industry is of the dairy products, and counts already with four plants of milk skimming, whose product is prepared in Angra. It also possesses a great number of old looms, whose products serve for consumption of the people of the parish. Its commerce is in cattle, wheat, maize, and until little time ago, it was abundant and extensive the culture of sweet potato, that, today is finished, because of the interruption of the production of alcohol. The Corral of the sheep situated in the high of the mountain range was an open pasture with very high walls where the sheep were placed all night long to be protected of the attacks of dogs.

Sociedade Cooperativa Leitaria Ribeirense ( Dairy Cooperative Society of Ribeirinha)

This Dairy Cooperative was established in 30 of August of 1917 by the Vicar Priest José da Rosa Dutra and a group of farmers, as an enterprise to consider. Always joined by praiseworthy associative spirit, this establishment was taken by the inhabitants of the Ribeirinha to the gradual current look. Dedicated people to the work, of rich bovine cattle Ribeirinha, exceed three thousand heads, supplies milk to a wide parcel of the city. In the times more abundant, apart from particular consumption, in the local cooperative plant, its industrialized, per day, three thousand canadas of milk. Here is where the cheese and butter most flavourful of our Island are manufactured. This building functions now as milk station.

Ermida (Chapel) de Nossa Senhora das Mercês

This Ermida was of Ribeirinha.
It is not possible to know the time where it started to exist in Feteira, that nor Gaspar Frutuoso nor the Priest António Cordeiro mention. Perhaps in the time of this illustrious historian, was a simple place with a few houses. Houses that probably were built for families of the Ribeirinha, who passed some time there for occasion of the vintage. With the elapsing of the years, possibly long years, it appeared the necessity of constructing an ermida for acts of the religious cult. As Dr. Alfredo Sampaio, says the Priest Manuel Martins Baião built it in 1590 with the purpose of saying mass in the time of the vintage. One becomes thus evident that we are without knowing who was the founder of this ermida, and we judge that is not possible due the lack of elements. What we know, is that belonged to the Inácio Toste Parreira. The ermida, seems that it comes from long ago times, according to its configuration and aspect, however we are not able to know the certain date of its foundation.

Moving to Canada das Vinhas

Canada das Vinhas, Feteira or Serretinha, are three names for the same attitude. It is not well a question of vacation, these are only for who are in school and in the house there are other things to make. What it happens is there are the figs, the grapes, pears, apples, and is necessary to take account of this, even so nobody denies that a change of scenery cheers life and gives new strength to who works. After moving, the men still continue to go every day to the top, because of the lands and cows, only the women and the smallest stayed. The car where everything was carried was a true live poetry. Each one makes of it a different description, because there are not two household that are alike. mattresses, clock, some saints of bigger devotion, pans, penicos (Small pots use as toilet) a new mat, hampers with clothes, a smaller box, chairs.... It was a "house" that was moved and not only the furniture.


INSTITUTIONS

Headquarters of Junta da Freguesia

This building was reconstructed in 1973 to allow the functioning of the secretariat of Junta e Assembleia de Freguesia. It was only in 1976 that was started the elaboration of the minutes in this Junta.
The first Junta da Freguesia was formed, after the 25 of April of 1974, was constituted by Francisco Rodrigues Coelho Júnior, António Gonçalves Coelho and Joaquim Rodrigues Bettencourt.
José Gonçalves Margarida exercised power, before the 25 of April of 1974.

Blazon and Flag of Ribeirinha, Symbology of the Weapons

The GREEN of the field in the shield, represents the wealth of pastures of Ribeirinha. The WAVE BAR OF SILVER symbolizes the creek that gives to the name to Ribeirinha and its Fountain the Furna de Água. The CASTLE and the LION remember the Military Company of Ribeirinha, that under the command of Captain Manuel Jacques de Oliveira, without aid, attacked and conquered the Spanish in Castle of S. Sebastião (Castelinho) in Angra. The HEADS and the STAFF are a tribute to the old ambulant milkmen and shepherds, who supplied the Angra city and surroundings.

Casa do Povo (House of the People)

The Casa do Povo was established some years ago, but only in 1968 started to work. The construction of this building was inaugurated in 1 of June of 1998. The Casa do Povo lodges the social security services and nursing station, and has one of the biggest halls of parties of the island and kitchen of support.

PATRIMONY

Parochial Church

The Parochial Church is situated in the centre of the parish, dedicated to S. Pedro. ( Here is the primitive image of the Apostle, sculpture in rock of the XV century, in the Museum of the Parish), it was built in the XVI century and increased in the XVIII century. In was build a beautiful First Church, already in 1925, today one of the showy temples of Terceira Island, on the side two towers were constructed, possessing in its front, a clock, work of the craftsman sergeant Alberto Ferreira, installed in about 1950. This temple directed to the west, has suffered important modifications by the impulse and zeal from its last vicars. In its interior there is an interesting carved Main Altar and an image of the Saint Christ of the Miracles. For beyond the Main Altar exist in this temple, two neo-gothic altars and four of baroque inspiration. To illuminate the sanctuary with the Holy Sacrament there is a silver lamp, work of ends the XVIII century. Behind the parochial church there was a small cemetery, that was condemned by not having the necessary dimensions and being next to a great number of houses.

Ermida de Santo Amaro

Its not known who was its founder nor when it was built. Perhaps we can consider the years of 1560 or 1570 more or less, because in 1589 it already existed. During XVI century, in this agricultural environment and of many cattle, people raised a first chapel of Saint Amaro, having been reconstructed and high extended and very well decorated in 1902, date that if found in the front of the Ermida. It has as main images Saint João, Saint António and of Saint Amaro, of great devotion in all the Island. There was been centuries of cult, promises and pilgrimages, to offer alfenim (a sugary paste that is hardened) representing varied figures, later bought at auction in public. This was happen and today still happens for the occasion of Party of Saint Amaro, that celebrates in 15 of January. Close to the Ermida is one of the highest rocks of the island, with a edge into the sea called Ponta Ruiva, where the primitive image was found and taken to the parochial church. According a popular legend the image went down, of dawn the street, and come back to that place since the chapel was built it was led, by human hand, for the parochial church, and it left from there mysteriously.

Ermida so Senhor Bom Jesus

Constructed in the beginning of the XX century in tribute to the deceases. Its name drift of the Christ of the Good Jesus, of the Ermida de São Mamede, acquired for a family in the Ladeira Grande, that offered a crucifix to the parish, keeping in its house the primitive image of the Orago (Patron Saint) São Mamede, XVI-XVII centuries. The Christ is currently in the sexton of the Parish. The Chapel of the Bom Jesus is of great pilgrimages in 2 of November of each year.

Ermida da Ladeira Grande

Consecrated the Martyr of Terceira, Devout João Baptista Machado, the only voice in the Azores, opened to the cult in 22 of May of 1970 by the hands of the India Patriarch das India, Dom José Vieira Alvernáz, but still for finishing, was erected for initiative of the Priest António Ornelas Simões, who passed away some months before its opening.

Empires

The festivities in honour of Divino Espírito Santo (The Holy Ghost) are celebrated with respect and devotion by all of the parish, beginning in the Sunday of Pentecost and finished with the time called "Bodos". of charity nature, delivering the bodo to the most needed. In the two Sundays of Bodos, the Empires of the Rua da Igreja and Serra da Ribeirinha very are appreciated by the population of Terceira Island because it are the only ones that give milk and bread to all the people who pass by this parish, and to see the showy street with the windows and balconies decorated with beautiful regional bedspreads. Ribeirinha, with the presence of all this people, becomes more beautiful. In the parish of Ribeirinha there are four Empires of the Espirito Santo.

Empire of Rua da Igreja

Also known for Empire of the "Middle of the Street", because its in the center of the main street. Previously, It was situated in the forecourt of the parochial church, being transferred to where it is, in the second decade of the XX century, in order that the current church could be built. Constructed in 1898, having the License in 16 of May of the same year. Empire of typical traces, serves the street of the Church and all the parallel streets, to the side possesses a store-room that serves to store, tables, stools, etc. This empire was the only one of the Island that existed the "Esmoleros". They wore four mordomos all dress of equal, with a staff painted with high colours and an embroidered by hand linen bag to carry the wheat when they made the public collection for the Bodo (Sunday of the Trindade). Each family can immediately give "to the brotherhood" or either the quota, becoming "brother". It possesses a solicitor a secretary and a bursar for the two bodos with mandate of one year.

Empire of Serra

More commonly known as Terreiro do Paço. It is situated in the Largo do Terreiro do Passo da Serra, constructed in 1911, of colours and typical tracing, possesses store-room, that stored stools, tables, pans, etc.. Each family can give "the brotherhood," or either the quota, becoming immediately "brother". This empire counts with one more crown the only in the island called the crown of the Joy. According the tradition for the joy of the people when seeing that the melting lava of the "biscoito" had stopped where the Crown and staff where left. These constructions are posterior the road and wooden house where it was installed the Empire. The dismemberment of the Empire of Rua da Igreja is associated with the foundation of the philharmonic União Católica da Serra (1904). This empire serves all Serra da Ribeirinha. It possesses a solicitor, with a mandate of one year. Bodos has three mordomos for the two Bodos.

Empire of Santo Amaro

Is the oldest of the parish. It is placed in the Largo de Santo Amaro next to the Ermida with the same name, constructed in 1883 with license of 5 of November of the same year, with typical traces, it serves all the people of Santo Amaro. It possesses a store-room built in 1913 that stores tables, wares, stools, etc. Each family can give "the brotherhood" or either the quota, becoming immediately "brother", having an administrative commission composed by three elements, with mandate of three years, possesses a solicitor and two assistant for the two Bodos. In both the mordomos distribute bread, wine and give seven suppers to the brothers.

Empire of Ladeira Grande

It is situated in Terreiro da Ladeira Grande, constructed in 1924, however has registers of its existence in the years of 1880, It was constructed first in Wood, only later, in rock, of colours and typical tracing, possesses to the side a store-room that stores stools, tables and wares, serves all the community of the Empire of Saint Amaro of Ladeira Grande. Each family can give "the brotherhood," or either the quota, becoming immediately "brother", having a administrative commission composed by three elements, with mandate of one year, possesses a solicitor and two assistant for the two Bodos. The inhabitants of Ladeira Grande, even so administratively attached to the parish of Ribeirinha, wore for many years connected to the parish of Feteira in the festivities of Espirito Santo. As they also contributed with a public collection, they also judged the right to the governing of the empire. But as the brothers of Feteira disagreed, they broke up and raised its triatro, when the Feteira was raised to parish, in 1906.

Social Center or Conviviality of Ladeira Grande

The Social Center of the elderly of Ladeira Grande was established in 13 of May of 1992, in May of 1998 the land was bought, the writing were made, the works started in May of 2001 and was inaugurated in 27 of January of 2003. The ceremony consisted in the blessing of the installations by the president and Priest António Perreira. The house was very well done. This center counts on about 30 usuries that every week are join there to socialize.

House of the Violantas

For its antiquity, for its artistic character, abundance of decorations, polychrome and technique, the weaving was the first industry of Terceira Island. The main cloths manufactured in our Island were fiampua and the full web, however what we told were are common tasks in the loom houses. Some hatcheled, others weave, others make fringes and others still make remains of fabric of remaining portions, that later give colour to the blankets, to carpets and bedspreads, artistically elaborated by these hands of fairy.

CULTURE

Museum of Ribeirinha

The Headquarters of The Ethnographic and Folkloric Group of Ribeirinha "Recordar e Conhecer" were inaugurated in 18 of May of 2003. It functions as a Museum. In it are more than five thousand parts, some of which with almost two centuries of existence.
This Museum represents the living portrait of Ribeirinha, bringing to our days, habits, clothes, houses, furnishes and work instruments that made the everyday life in centuries XIX and XX.
In this building there is 4 divisions of a typical agricultural house from Terceira, where are detailed the main traces of furniture and remain pieces used at the time by our grandmothers and greats-grandmother. The crafts also weren't forgotten. There is also room for the mill, threshing-floor, utensils to work in the land and loom utensils. In the surroundings it does not miss everything that a agricultural house used to have.

Ethnographic Center of Ribeirinha

In the Headquarters of The Ethnographic and Folkloric Group of Ribeirinha "Recordar e Conhecer", runs the School of Arts and Traditional Crafts of Ribeirinha, this school have classes that are developed so that the crafts works don't be lost, such as the weaving, tapestries, arraiolos, embroidering by hand and machine, musical string instruments, etc. The hands learned with time to construct the rare beauty of small great things. The popular art is manifest in woollen bedspreads made in the loom, of multicolours and with many geometric shapes, embroidering by hand in white and red raw linen of excellent quality such as that was made in Ribeirinha. The Hand craft of Terceira is a manifestation of pureness of the soul of its people. It can be appreciated by works that also happen of the popular tradition and manifestations of a new interpretation of local artists. This Group, with a great involving space around of the headquarters, presents recreations of the regional slaughter of the pig, the husking of the maize, works in the threshing-floor, the cycle of the wool, the festivities of The Holy Ghost, etc. and thus we call this space that involves the Museum, artisan schools, recreations of works "Ethnographic Center of Ribeirinha".

Museum of the Parochial Church

This temple possesses an interesting collection of images dating some of the XVII century. It is installed in the south sexton of the parochial church. This section was built to substitute the old House of the Franciscan Third Order that existed opposite of the primitive church until principles of the XX century. Its goods are constituted by the patrimony of the related Order and other religious images belonging to the parish. It is distinguished first image of Saint Peter, in rock and the images of the Saints Águeda and Apolónia, Lady of Grace whose garments wore embroidered in gold and bought in Paris.

FESTIVITIES

In the months of July and August the popular festivities in honour of the respective patron saints or the saint orago are fulfilled, beyond the procession there is always the cheerful festivals. These festivities are a good chance to know the local folks as well as appreciating its uses and customs.

The first party to carry through in the second week of July in Serra da Ribeirinha, in the center of Passo do Terreiro. The name "Passo do Terreiro", comes from the fact that place was called "Passo" of the Souls. The second party of the third week of July is carried through in the main street in front of the parochial church this street is called Rua da Igreja, or Meio da Rua and its on a inclined plan. From it break several other small ones, and parallel to it, passes a creek that goes from North to South, generally known for the name of Ribeira do Gato (Creek of the Cat), going to finish in the a place called Timão. There is a Street called Sézinha, for its relation to the Street of the Sé. Is very showy for parades, bullfights and other events. The windows and balconies of these streets are decorated with beautiful regional bedspreads of the loom and of remains of cloths very colourful made by the magical hands of this people.

The Third party is in the last week of August, in Ladeira Grande, consecrated to the Martyr of Terceira, Devout João Baptista Machado. The Fonte of Ribeirinha even without butlers, every year in 1 of May,as tradition, opens the bullfights in Terceira Island.
Other Parties:

January - 6 to 15, Party of Santo Amaro.
February – Amigos(as) (Friends), Compadres e Comadres (Colleagues), Carnaval(Carnival).
March - Lauspreme, Procissão de Passos (ou das amêndoas) Procession of Passos (or of almonds).
April – Páscoa (Easter), com a típica procissão dos enfermos (with the typical procession of the ill).
May - Nossa Senhora de Fátima (Our Lady of Fátima)
June - S. Pedro, Padroeiro (Saint Peter, Patron)
July- Sagrado Coração de Jesus ou Procissão das Meninas (Sacred Heart of Jesus or Procissão of the Girls).
August – Beato (Devout) João Baptista Machado (Ladeira Grande).
September – Vindimas (Vintage) – Canada das Vinhas.
October - Nossa Senhora do Rosário, com Procissão (Our Lady of the Rosary, with Procession).
November - Ofícios de Defuntos (Service of deceases).
December - Nossa Senhora das Graças e Natal, com o terço do Menino Jesus (Our Lady of Graças and Christmas, with prays for Jesus).

Gastronomy

The traditional gastronomy resulted of the most varied influences. Tempered with exotic spices brought by the vessels and galleons that passed here in XVI and XVII centuries, transformed by 60 years of Spanish domain and enriched recipes of sweets and liquors, it presents a very particular flavour today.

A restaurant-bar exists that serves well who visit Ribeirinha. Typical plates: Fish Soup, octopus, hen, etc. The people of Ribeirinha are specialists in the Soup of the Espirito Santo (Holy Ghost), flavourful alcatra with wine, sarapatel (black pudding), blood sausages, sweet bread, coscorões (fried rolled pastry sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon), alfenim (a sugary paste that is hardened) and sweet rice, having all these plates a great fame. The fresh cheese of goat is appreciated complement of the meal, that also is manufactured in Ribeirinha.

COLLECTIVITIES

Sociedade Filarmónica Recreio dos Lavradores da Ribeirinha
(philharmonic Society Recreation of the Farmers of Ribeirinha)

It constructed its Headquarters in the Rua da Igreja next to the Parochial Church, in 17 of October of 1896. The philharmonic, have as patron Our Lady of the Rosary, as written in the statutes, was established in 1 of May of 1889, but the Priest Alves Da Silva, in the notes to the typography , says to have been in 10 of November of 1888. This Society inaugurated new Headquarters in 1989. It carried through balls and Carnival dances. This philharmonic performed many times around the island, as well in other islands of the Azores, Mainland and United States of America. The Headquarters of the Society were remodelled, finishing its workmanships in 15 of February of 2004.

Sociedade Filarmónica União Católica da Serra da Ribeirinha
( philharmonic Society Catholic Union of the Serra da Ribeirinha)

Established in 29 of June of 1904, have as Patron Saint Peter. It constructed its Headquarters in Serra da Ribeirinha, in 21 of January of 1965. During this period, this Association had as Headquarters the store-room of the Empire. It carried through balls, Carnival dances and comedies. This philharmonic performed many times around the island, other islands of the Azores and United States of America. The Headquarters of the Society were remodelled, finishing its workmanships in 25 of April of 2004.

SOCCER CLUBS

Boavista Club da Ribeirinha

Established and affiliated in the Soccer Association of Angra do Heroísmo in 25 of April of 1987, it possesses Headquarters and game field of synthetic floor. It is branch office number 1 of the Boavista Soccer Club. It possesses already great history, being worthy of mention, champion some times in Second and First District Division and militating in the years of 1995 - -96, 2001-02 and 2002-03 in Third National Division, participating some times in the Cup of Portugal. Its Headquarters were inaugurated in 26 of September of 1998 and the game field of synthetic grass in 1 of November of 2001.

União Desportivo da Ladeira Grande

Established in 17 of October of 1982, it uses the game field of Casa do Povo da Ribeirinha, was affiliated in INATEL in September of 1984, in soccer of the INATEL, has reached appreciable position four times vice-champion of the delegation of Inatel, four cups of disciplines and two cups of Inatel, also possesses one team of Futsal, having beginning in November of 1997 possessing great history being three times champion of the delegation of Inatel and two times vice-champions of the Azores.

SCOUTS GROUPS

Headquarters of the Scouts

Group 654 of CNE were established in 28-03-1982. It possesses proper headquarters, situated in Caminho Novo (Next to the building of the Primary School) was inaugurated in 28-03-1992. The group counts currently on 65 associates distributed by Controllers and the 4 Sections – Little Wolfs (of 6 up to 10 years), Explorers (of 10 up to 14 years), Pioneers (of 14 up to 17 years) and Walkers (of 17 up to 22 years). The Movement has as goal the integral formation of the young.
Applying the 5 educative regions.
- Development of the Socialization (Solidarity).
- Corporal Development (Health).
- Development of the Creativity.
- Development of the Character.
- Development spiritual (Faith).

The scout experience is applied in the system of Band / Patrol / Team where is attributed to each element a responsibility position having as goal to develop the sense of responsibility.

Group of Theatre

The Group of Theatre Casa do Povo da Freguesia da Ribeirinha was established in 30 of September of 1998, having in scene the part Mal falando, bem dizendo (Bad speaking, well saying). In 27 of February of 2003 this Group separated from of the Casa do Povo da Freguesia da Ribeirinha, started to be called Group Theatre São Pedro da Ribeirinha. Its Headquarters are the old Hall of Parties
of Ribeirinha more known as the Casa da Lata that was established the 1 of August of 1951, The owners of it were: José Gonçalves Margarida, António Gonçalves Coelho, Francisco Gonçalves Toste e João Gonçalves Castro Leonardo.

Ethnographic and Folkloric Group of Ribeirinha "Recordar e Conhecer"

This group started to organize in 1 of December of 1995. However for reasonable reasons, the Group considers as the date of its foundation the day 22 of May of 1996, for signalling the day of Devout João Baptista Machado. This group was officially inaugurated in 1 of May of 1997. This Association has as their main gold, the study, research, collecting and spreading the Folklore culture and other elements in particular of Ribeirinha and cultural promotion of the population of the Terceira island through these activities. In the year of 1997 this association is legalized and becomes partner of INATEL. The Group carried through an ethnographic collecting of dances, songs, clothes, and agricultural utensils, based in this work, the Group is spreading the uses and customs of its land. As an ethnographic complement, when performing the group shows some agricultural utensils allusive to farming, harvest and others. The Group is composed by 59 elements, thirty five dancers, nine acoustic guitars, whose sounds will join to the voices of ten singers. The Association is also composed by the Sing Group and Singers Ranch or Slaughter Ranch "Os Reizes". It is an autonomous Group with their own statutes, its a collective person of public utility by forwarding of the Regional Government of the Azores on 20 of November of 1996, its clothes are rigorously traditional, some very old, dresses a representative of some social classes of Ribeirinha and Terceira island of centuries XVI and principles of century XX. Every year in May to celebrate its anniversary this Group carries through the Folklore Festival of Ribeirinha, with the participation of all Folkloric Groups of Terceira island. This Group also carried through and organized, since 1998, the Day of the Emigrant. In 18 of April of 2000 became effective member of the Portuguese Folklore Federation, and in 13 of May of the same year it launched its first CD that is an historical record for the group and parish of Ribeirinha. All the records can be consulted in the Internet. It already organized four expositions of the Typical Garment of Ribeirinha. It recorded for the RTP-Açores, the programs "Cartaz" and "Arquipélago" that later was transmitted by the RTP Internacional. The 9 of June of 2003 it participates in a live transmission of the RTP1 for the whole world for the arrival of the President of the Portuguese Republic. It participated in the Festival of C.O.F.I.T., in S. Jorge, the Cultural Week Velas, in Ribatejo, in Graciosa Island, the festivities of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Belgium, In Minho, Trás-os-Montes, in Pico, the Party of Madalena, in Alto Douro to the 24th International Festival of Folklore of Terras da Feira (Argoncilhe) and Beira Litoral, VI International Festival of Folklore of Carnide (Pombal). In 18 of May of 2003, this Group inaugurated its Headquarters or Museum of a Typical house of Ribeirinha or of Terceira Island, called Ethnographic Centre of Ribeirinha. To commemorate this event the Group organized "Cultural Week of Ribeirinha". This Group organized a Ethnographic Parade in Angra for the celebrations of the festivities of day 10 of June of 2003 for the President of the Republic and Prime minister.

Presépios (Christmas Crib - Nativity Scene)

Since 1961 that Mr. João Manuel Alves Areias, inhabitant in Canada do Francisco Alves, 3 in Serra da Ribeirinha, constructs its presépio in an ample space being visited by the public in 25 of December until the Day of Kings, 6 of January. In this presépio more than 3,000 parts are displayed. Since 1972 that Mr. António Da Silva Pires, inhabitant in Terreiro, 3 in Ladeira Grande, constructs its presépio in an ample space being visited by the public in 20 of December until the Day of Kings, 6 of January. In this presépio more than 1,000 parts are displayed.

Schools

School of Ribeirinha in Caminho Novo, was inaugurated in 11 of November of 1959.

School of Santo Amaro, situated in the same place, was inaugurated in 1 of January of 1960.
This school was remodelled, finished its remodelling works in 6 of June of 2000.

School of Ladeira Grande in Canada da Praia, was inaugurated in 26 of June of 1955.
This school was remodelled, finished its remodelling works in 6 of June of 2000.

The Families

The parish of Ribeirinha has two great groups of families: the residents and the migratory ones.
The residents were according to the records that exist since the most remote times, (the most ancient book of baptism date of 1623):

Alves, Azedias, Azevedo, Castro, Codorniz, Couto, Dias, Evangelho, Ferreira, Freitas, Gomes, Gonçalves Silva, Lopes, Lourenço, Machado, Melo, Miranda, Pacheco, Pacheco Galhardo, Parreira, Toste, Vaz.

For opposition to the resident families, we have the migratory families, or either, those that had come of another place (parish or island) and that installed themselves here. Between them we have:

Ávila Bettencourt (Conceição); Bettencourt (Santa Cruz, Graciosa); Borges do Rego (Fonte do Bastardo); Cardoso Gaspar (São Brás); Cardoso Pires (Lajes); Cardoso Ventura (São Roque, Pico, via São Mateus); Carreiro (Maia, São Miguel); Fraga (Porto Judeu); Furtado (Santa Cruz, Graciosa); Garcia Valadão (Lajes); Gonçalves Leonardo (São Bento); Jaques (Cabo da Praia); Lemos (Santa Barbara); Luís Pires (Porto Judeu); Machado Vitória (São Sebastião); Martins Trovão (Agualva); Mendonça (Ribeira Seca, São Jorge); Nunes da Costa (Porto Judeu); Ormonde (Porto Judeu); Pinheiro Dias (Braga); Pontes (Fonte do Bastardo); Ribeiro (Porto Judeu); Rocha (Porto Judeu); Rocha Gato (São Bento); Rocha da Silva (Praia); Silveira (Ribeira Seca, São Jorge); Tavares (Ribeira Seca, Ribeira Grande, São Miguel); Vaz de Borba (Cabo da Praia); Vieira Homem (Lajes).

INDUSTRY

VITÓRIATRÁFEGO
Customs Agents – warehouse
Atalaia – 295 662 224

Sotran – Customs Agents
Atalaia – 295 662 125/6


Flores e Parreira
Atalaia – 295 401 280
Flores e Parreira

Hyundai – Atalaia
295 401 286

Aguiar Meneses Automóveis, Lda.
Atalaia,11A
295 662 300 – 914610391

Angra Car - Flash Car
Atalaia, 18 – 295 663 265

Agrimoto – Of Vivelinda Rodrigues
Terreiro das Covas, 24
295 662 526

Mecânico, Auto Martins
Grota do Vale – Atalaia
295 662 666

Auto-Atalaia
Atalaia – 295 662 662

Auto Teves
Terreiro das Covas, 18
295 662 129

Jorge Rocha - Mechanic
Canada da Ribeirinha, 31 965 685 117

Paraíso do Pneu (tires)
Ladeira Grande
295 663 087

Brás M. P. Barcelos
Pintor de Construção Civil
295 662 661 – 962 914 256

F. Coderniz e Filhos, Lda.
Cash & Carry – 295 662 849
Caminho Velho – Atalaia

João Carlos Melo Rocha
Caixilharia de Alumínios
Caminho Velho - 662 295 662

AUROPAL
Terreiro das Covas, 54
295 663 063

Ladeira Grande Cima,80
295 662 460 – 916 635 865

Irmãos Matos, Serralharia,
Rua, Professor António Melo
965 235 454

Restaurador (Restorative Works)
Mestre Orlando Francisco
295 662 336

CARPIMARANTE
Rua, Professor António Melo, 32
914 797 865

PROJECTANGRA
Atalaia,19
295 212 564

Electronics
Ladeira Grande de Cima,17
295 662 242 – 964 474 537

Centro Equestro do Ilhéu (Equine Center)
Canada do Outeiro Galhardo
Ladeira Grande de Baixo
967 848 084 – 965 801 082

Taxidermist
Canada dos Fonsecas,112
Ladeira Grande – 295 662 167

Fábrica de Queijo de Cabra
Ladeira Grande
295 663 275 – 912 562 126

Elite Aesthetics - Centro de Estética
Terreiro das Covas, 54
968 548 646

Salão Conceição
Rua da Igreja, 212
295 663 277

Barber Shop
Rua da Ribeira, 1

Shoemaker
Rua da Calçada, 16
Serra
966 646 182

E.A. CARNES
Canada dos Teixeiras
295 217 607

Alfenim
Fonte da Ribeirinha, 7/9
295 662 442/344

Alfenim - Fonte da Ribeirinha, 10/11
295 662 649


SERVICES

Sotran – Fuel Station
Atalaia – 295 662 125/6


ATM
Caixa Geral de Depósitos
Rua da Ribeira



COMMERCE

Sotran – Bar
Atalaia
295 662 125/6

Clube Recreio de Santo António
Terreiro do Paço
Serra da Ribeirinha
969 033 147

Snack Bar Família
Rua Professor António José de Melo,3
295 662 006

Pastelaria Nossa Senhora de Fátima
Rés do Chão
Largo de Fátima
295 662 935

Mercearia de Santo Amaro
Santo Amaro

Mercearia Ladeira da Cruz
Ladeira da Cruz,85
295 662 263

Mercearia de Jesus Coelho
Rua da Igreja,277
918 809 976

Mercearia João da Rapa
Terreiro do Paço,6
Serra da Ribeirinha
295 662 353

Mercearia Maria Toste
Terreiro do Paço, 28
Serra da Ribeirinha
295 662 523

Coop. da Ladeira Grande
Terreiro da Ladeira Grande
295 662 659

Mini Mercado Toste
Rua da Igreja,233
295 663 937

Mini Mercado Largo de Fátima
Largo de Fátima
295 662 575

Marília Modas
Rua da Igreja,212
295 663 277

Loja O Ponto
Rua da Igreja,191
295 663 037



USEFUL CONTACTS


RIBEIRINHA


Junta de Freguesia
295 662 524

Casa do Povo
295 662 438

Paroquial Church
295 662 111

Ethnographic and Folkloric Group of Ribeirinha "Recordar e Conhecer"
295 663 851

Sociedade R. Lavradores da Ribeirinha
295 662 783

Sociedade União C. Serra da Ribeirinha
295 662 230

Boavista Club da Ribeirinha
295 662 050

Group 654
(Scouts)
295 663 998

Mortuary House
295 663 220

AIRPORT OF LAJES

SATA
295 540 047

TAP
295 540 350

G.N.R.
295 512 139



ANGRA DO HEROÍSMO

Fireman
295 212 333

Police
295 212 022

Hospital
295 212 122

Reg. Serv. Civil Protection
295 401 400

Red Cross
295 212 669

Help (SOS)
Telef. 112

Fireman Azores
(Emergency)
295 401 401

GNR
295 213 998

Health Center
295 216 061

Town Hall of Angra do Heroísmo
295 212131

Junta Autónoma
de Portos (harbour)
295 540 000

SATA Air Açores
295 212 013

TAP Air Portugal
295 216 489

Travel Agency Teles
295 213 236