Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Capelinhos Volcano Eruption – 2024 Edition

This year, we once again marked the anniversary of the Capelinhos Volcano eruption with a cultural programme designed to foster collective memory, involving the local community and distinguished guests. The initiative was sparked by the visit to Faial of the award-winning animated film director Pedro Serrazina, who presented his short film *Os Olhos do Farol* (The Eyes of the Lighthouse), the poetic story of a girl who lives in a lighthouse with her lighthouse-keeper father.

Building on this narrative, we organised a storytelling session centred on the symbolic and historical importance of the Capelinhos Lighthouse, particularly in the context of the 1957–58 eruption. The event took place on the deck of the Capelinhos Lighthouse and included the screening of three videos directed by Gonçalo Tocha, featuring testimonies from people who, at different times, were the ‘eyes of the lighthouse’.

Among the testimonies, we highlight that of D. Almerinda Machado, a resident of Norte Pequeno, who, like the character in the film, grew up in the lighthouse where her father was a lighthouse keeper. Her conversation with Manuel Tiana, as they walk through the streets of Norte Pequeno to Capelinhos, brings back memories of life before the eruption.

Another striking moment was the testimony of António Medeiros, a resident of Ribeirinha, also the son of a lighthouse keeper and a lighthouse keeper himself by profession. Aged 93, he shared his personal and professional experiences during the days leading up to and following the eruption, with particular emphasis on the moments he experienced whilst on duty.

The event concluded with a public presentation of the final outcome of the creative workshop led by Pedro Serrazina, featuring children from the parishes of Capelo and Praia do Norte. The aim of this activity was to connect the younger generations with the memories of the local area, promoting the intergenerational transmission of local history.

The gathering concluded with a social gathering open to the community, featuring conversation and light refreshments.

The event took place on Saturday, 28 September, at 5.30 pm, on the deck of the Capelinhos Lighthouse, attended by local residents, special guests and participants in the educational activities.