65th anniversary of the Capelinhos Volcano Eruption

Sept. 27, 2022

Exactly 65 years ago, what would be the most famous volcano of the century erupted from the sea - the Capelinhos Volcano. The eruption began at sea, about 1 km off the northwest coast of the island of Faial and lasted for 13 months. The volcanic activity started with large explosions, emission of ash jets, columns of water vapour and volcanic gases, alternating with calmer periods. In November 1957, the volcano connected with the island of Faial and, on May 1958, it began to assume terrestrial (or subaerial) characteristics, with the formation of a scoria cone and the emission of basaltic lava flows. This volcanic eruption, which ended on 24 October 1958, had an enormous impact on Faial society, forcing the relocation of almost half the island's population to the USA.

Today, this almost lunar landscape is a unique place in the Azores, where you can feel the planet's energy, constituting a geosite of international relevance of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark.

Learn about the history of this volcano at the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre and participate in the commemorative activities that start today 👇

27 Set: Celebratory session for the 65th anniversary of the Capelinhos Volcano– https://bit.ly/3DNmAXi

1 and 8 Oct: Interpretive Circuit - Whalers’ path – https://bit.ly/3S7Ixol (day 1) and https://bit.ly/3LPCH8O (day 8)

5 Oct: Capelo - Capelinhos Walking trail (Cabeço do Canto PRC01FAI) – https://bit.ly/3Sag3dm

In partnership with Capelinhos Ocean Tours, we will promote interpretative circuits by sea. Please directly contact the company for more information and scheduling.

During these days, you can also follow the development of the painting of the mural in the Whaler Boats' House entitled “Os Sinistrados do Vulcão” by the artists Ana Correia and Pedro Braia Art.