My Tremor Diary: A Multi-Sensory Journey Across São Miguel
My Tremor Diary: A Multi-Sensory Journey Across São Miguel
Anthony "Tiger" Liu March 29, 2026
What truly sets Tremor apart from any other festival in the world is its lack of a “main stage.” Instead of crowding into one central venue, the music, art, and food are scattered across the island’s most breathtaking locations. This year, my five-day journey took me from historic theaters to hidden swimming pools.
March 24: The Opening Act
The festival began for me at the iconic Coliseu Micaelense with the Spanish Flamenco guitarist Yerai Cortés. Accompanied by six powerful female singers, the performance was a masterclass in rhythm and soul—a perfect introduction to the high-caliber artistry Tremor attracts.
March 26: From Sacred Hills to Public Pools
After taking a short break on the 25th, I dove back in for a three-event marathon:
• The Sanctuary: I headed to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Paz , perched high on the hill overlooking Vila Franca do Campo. There, Vera Morais performed a symbolic, meditative chant in a setting that felt truly divine.
March 24: The Opening Act
The festival began for me at the iconic Coliseu Micaelense with the Spanish Flamenco guitarist Yerai Cortés. Accompanied by six powerful female singers, the performance was a masterclass in rhythm and soul—a perfect introduction to the high-caliber artistry Tremor attracts.
March 26: From Sacred Hills to Public Pools
After taking a short break on the 25th, I dove back in for a three-event marathon:
• The Sanctuary: I headed to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Paz , perched high on the hill overlooking Vila Franca do Campo. There, Vera Morais performed a symbolic, meditative chant in a setting that felt truly divine.
• The Gallery: Next was a stop at the Centro Cultural da Caloura in Água de Pau for an intimate painting exhibition.
• The Secret Venue: My day ended at a “secret location”—the Complexo Municipal de Piscinas da Lagoa. Watching the trio Used Knife deliver their politically charged set inside the public pools was an unforgettable, avant-garde experience.
March 27: Sonic Journeys and Local Stars
Friday was a deep dive into the creative heart of the island:
• Active Listening: At the Arquipélago – Centro de Artes Contemporâneas in Ribeira Grande, I joined an experiential sonic journey led by eight local artists. It was a fascinating exercise in mindfulness and sound.
• The Market Gig: Another secret concert took place at the Mercado Municipal da Ribeira Grande , featuring the high-energy, all-female band Amigas .
• Resident Sounds: I finished the night at the Aula Magna da Universidade dos Açores to see the festival’s resident band, the Rabo de Peixe School of Music. It was extra special for me because I actually know one of the members, David!
March 28: A Taste of Tradition
On the final day, I treated myself to a special “Receitas do Baú – Na Nossa Mesa” lunch at Délia e Luís in the village of Rabo de Peixe. The menu was a beautiful balance of vegetarian dishes and a unique local specialty: Stingray served with oven-baked potatoes.
March 27: Sonic Journeys and Local Stars
Friday was a deep dive into the creative heart of the island:
• Active Listening: At the Arquipélago – Centro de Artes Contemporâneas in Ribeira Grande, I joined an experiential sonic journey led by eight local artists. It was a fascinating exercise in mindfulness and sound.
• The Market Gig: Another secret concert took place at the Mercado Municipal da Ribeira Grande , featuring the high-energy, all-female band Amigas .
• Resident Sounds: I finished the night at the Aula Magna da Universidade dos Açores to see the festival’s resident band, the Rabo de Peixe School of Music. It was extra special for me because I actually know one of the members, David!
March 28: A Taste of Tradition
On the final day, I treated myself to a special “Receitas do Baú – Na Nossa Mesa” lunch at Délia e Luís in the village of Rabo de Peixe. The menu was a beautiful balance of vegetarian dishes and a unique local specialty: Stingray served with oven-baked potatoes.
Final Thoughts: Why Tremor is Different
Unlike typical festivals that keep you trapped in one field for three days, Tremor is a five-day exploration of the Azores themselves. It forces you to move, to hike, and to discover hidden corners of São Miguel through the lens of experimental music and art.
From hikes and exhibitions to secret concerts in public pools, it is a world-class program that celebrates diversity in every sense of the word. If you want to experience the “real” São Miguel through a creative lens, this is the week to be here!
—
Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.
Unlike typical festivals that keep you trapped in one field for three days, Tremor is a five-day exploration of the Azores themselves. It forces you to move, to hike, and to discover hidden corners of São Miguel through the lens of experimental music and art.
From hikes and exhibitions to secret concerts in public pools, it is a world-class program that celebrates diversity in every sense of the word. If you want to experience the “real” São Miguel through a creative lens, this is the week to be here!
—
Anthony “Tiger” Liu is an American expat and the operator of Golden Mermaid Villa and Longevity Habit retreat, where he shares a passion for the vibrant culture and nourishing lifestyle of São Miguel.