Wednesday, 06 January 2010 20:17
A fun Mardi Gras celebration is just four hours if you aim to mark the holiday on the Mid-Atlantic Islands of the Azores, where celebrations go back centuries. Azores Express/SATA, is offering travel packages starting at $829 per person (plus tax, double occupancy). In the Azores, Mardi Gras is known as ³Carnaval² a celebration starting on Saturday, February 13, 2010 and continuing through Tuesday, February 19, 2010. Parades and pageants are heart of the Carnaval festivities. There is lively music, colorful costumes, hand-made masks, and floats. On the island of São Miguel, known for its mild weather, you can chose from several hotels in historic Ponta Delgada, the Azores¹ main city. Stay in the heart of the downtown at the Hotel Ponta Delgada for just $829 per person, plus tax. Carnaval has a sweet taste on São Miguel, with street vendors selling fried sweet dough, called a Malassadas. The festival on the Azores biggest island starts of with a black tie grand ball, and heats up with dance music at the restored Coliseu Micaelense. There is a children¹s parade in the streets of the capital, Ponta Delgada, with children in costume from each school district on the island. Then, a massive carnaval parade fills the streets into the wee hours with music, costumes and dancing. For more information and reservations, contact Azores Express at 800-762-9995,
www.sata.pt
Portugal National Tourist Office