Tradition was upheld in Gavião with another significant display of faith and devotion during two processions in honor of Our Lady of Remedies. The first, a nighttime procession, took place between the chapel of Our Lady of Remedies, and another, a daytime procession, in the opposite direction, accompanied by the bands from Gavião and Nossa Senhora das Mercês (from the Feteira parish, in Angra do Heroísmo). These moments involved the religious community of Gavião, with the processions presided over by parish priest Cristiano Pedro and attended by confraternities. António Severino, president of the Municipal Chamber of Gavião, once again carried the main float.
On September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, Atalaia was in celebration, drawing thousands of people to the José Júlio Delgado Cabeça Sports Complex. The festival featured musical performances and was attended by many Atalaia residents who now live elsewhere. The traditional bull-running event (garraiada) was held, and an lively sueca card tournament took place on the final day.
Throughout the three days of the Our Lady of Remedies festival, Germano Porfírio, president of the Union of Freguesias of Gavião and Atalaia, was involved in the bar service, which saw a particularly busy Saturday night. Germano Porfírio also oversaw the accounts, as part of a commission that worked diligently to ensure the event ran smoothly, from the roast chicken service to the musical shows.
As is tradition, the festival in honor of Our Lady of Remedies included a fair (quermesse), with a special focus on filhós (a type of fritter). Over the three days of the festival, held on September 11th, 12th, and 13th, a dedicated group ensured that nothing was lacking for the attendees, with the filhós being served quickly. In addition to rice pudding and a tombola, visitors were always met with a smile.
