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Since the 17th century, at the end of May or at the beginning of June, pilgrimages and parties take place in Machico in honor of São Cristóvão, the patron saint of drivers and travelers.

Genuine demonstration of faith and devotion that the population of Machico has towards the saint, the procession currently runs through the streets of the city of Machico, to which people join by wherever they pass.

For a while, this tradition was lost, being recovered in 1996 by the Parish Priest of the “Piquinho”, Father José Afonso, who held the Feast in the Parish Church and then went to the chapel to get the saint’s image. It was also this parish priest who created the car procession through the streets of Machico. Subsequently, with Father Manuel Carlos the party started to be held in the Chapel of “Solar de São Cristóvão” and today with Father Ramos, who continues this tradition so appreciated by the population.

On the eve of the feast, on Saturday, the Eucharist is held at the end of the day, accompanied by the choir that animates the ceremony. Subsequently, the entertainment continues on the street with traditional music groups from the village and ends with fireworks.

On Sunday, the Eucharist of the Festival takes place after lunch, in the Chapel of “Solar de São Cristóvão”, also accompanied by the Choir.

Then, the automobile procession goes out through the streets of Machico, with many people watching along the route, throwing flowers and admiring the car that takes the saint, ornamented with flowers.

The procession returns again to the chapel of “Solar de São Cristóvão”, where the cars that participated are blessed and the Prayer of São Cristóvão is distributed.

Saint Christopher, a saint martyr, lived in the 3rd century and was killed during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius. The legend of his life developed from the 6th century and more sharply from the 11th century, however, his canonization only occurred in the 15th century. He is the saint patron of travelers, as he helped Jesus cross a dangerous river, the freight ladders, the porters in the markets, the archers and more recently the motorists.

Text and research: Graça Alves

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