The Parish of Machico will hold, on September 5th and 6th, the traditional Feast of Saint Roch. On Saturday, the festivities include a girândola at noon, the Pilgrimage of Saint Roch at 5:30 PM with meeting point at Forum Machico, Mass at the Chapel of Saint Roch at 8:30 PM, auction, musical entertainment and fireworks at 11:00 PM. On Sunday, the Municipal Band performs starting at 4:00 PM, followed by the Festival Mass at 5:00 PM, procession, auction and musical entertainment during the evening.
The devotion to Saint Roch is deeply linked to the history of Machico. The primitive chapel dedicated to the saint is believed to have been built in 1489, following a vow made by the second lord-captain of Machico, Tristão Vaz Teixeira, in gratitude for the end of an epidemic that had affected the population. The current temple results from a reconstruction carried out in the 18th century, due to the state of degradation of the old hermitage.
The Chapel of Saint Roch also constitutes one of the most relevant examples of religious heritage in Machico. Inside, there are blue and white tile panels from the 18th century, depicting episodes from the life and miracles of Saint Roch, as well as a baroque altarpiece dated from 1751. On the ceiling of the main chapel, the Latin inscription «Eris in Peste Patronus» is preserved, evoking Saint Roch as a protector during times of plague. The property has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1940.
