The Império do Espírito Santo do Cantinho, or of São Francisco das Almas, is located in the village of São Mateus da Calheta, municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, in Terra Alta. Its statutes were approved in 1857, but the festivals had been celebrated for a long time. The festivities take place during the second bodo, on Trinity Sunday. They begin with a festival and singing, ending on Corpus Christi Thursday with a rope bullfight. On the day of the bodo, there is a procession of the Holy Spirit followed by a festive mass and coronation at the Hermitage of S. Francisco das Almas. After the liturgy, bread and wine are distributed, followed by a traditional lunch for the steward’s guests. In the afternoon, there is a festival and auction of offerings for the império, with lighting and music at night. The festival ends with the drawing of lots and the appointment of stewards for the next year.
