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T<\/span>he Azores have long been one of Europe\u2019s most unique destinations, but there\u2019s an especially timely reason to go in 2026: it\u2019s the 50th anniversary of its own self-government, and officials have announced the islands will be celebrating all year. Official events celebrating the defining 1976 event include ceremonies, concerts, parades, public events, exhibitions, and more, nearly all of it open to tourists. <\/p>\n Most of the celebrations will amplify what are already lively annual events. In June, the Sanjoaninas Festival on Terceira will be the centerpiece of the celebrations, with a theme of \u201cAzoreanity,\u201d (the distinct cultural identity of the Azores). The event always has parades, concerts, traditional dance performances, street food stalls, and the island\u2019s signature \u201cbulls on a rope\u201d events, but in 2026, it\u2019ll be expanded with themed parades and performances tied specifically to the island\u2019s history and culture, along with related programming and additional events throughout the city.<\/p>\n Through autumn, visitors can expect expanded versions of the Holy Spirit festivals, held in villages across all nine islands from spring through early autumn. Though they have religious origins, they\u2019re not formal or limited to believers. Instead, they\u2019re community-wide celebrations in which visitors are very welcome, with shared meals, live music, parades, and public gatherings that take over entire towns. One of the defining traditions is the bodo, a communal feast where traditional foods are prepared and shared with anyone in the town, local or not. <\/p>\n But in addition to all the extra 2026 celebrations, you also get what makes the Azores so appealing every year: smaller crowds than most of Europe, dramatic landscapes, and a slow way of life that lends itself well to exploring on foot and leisurely wine tastings. But visit in 2026, and you\u2019ll get that, plus so much more.<\/p>\n Where to stay: <\/em><\/strong> Affordable (and not so affordable) luxury hotels abound on the Azores. If you\u2019re all about whale watching, check out Hotel Caravelas, offering whale watching and lodging combo packages throughout the year. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n