The beloved Azorean character Néveda continues her journey across the islands as part of the 14th edition of the Azores Fringe Festival, bringing stories, imagination, and a celebration of island identity to audiences of all ages.
Created by writer and cultural producer Terry Costa and illustrated by artist Vera Bettencourt, Néveda has become one of the most recognizable contemporary characters in Azorean children’s literature. This June, her travels are taking her to several islands of the archipelago through a series of presentations, readings, and community events organized within the Fringe Festival program.
The journey began on São Jorge Island with activities hosted by the Municipality of Velas at both the Municipal Library and Municipal Market.
“There are always people who already know the character, as well as those who are hearing about her for the first time,” said Terry Costa. “Néveda was created with great love from Pico Island, and it is rewarding to see how this illustrated literary project continues to resonate with people of all generations.”
The festival itinerary will continue throughout June with visits to schools, cultural centers, senior residences, and community spaces on Pico, Faial, and São Miguel, bringing the adventures of the young flower-girl to new audiences while fostering a love of reading and storytelling.
The first book in the series, Néveda in the Azores, was published bilingually in Portuguese and English in 2019. Since then, it has reached readers around the world, appearing in more than 300 bookstores across 45 countries and entering its third edition. The book has also been translated into Spanish, French, and Italian, extending its international reach while maintaining its distinctly Azorean roots.
The second volume, Néveda in the Americas, follows the adventurous character on a journey from Canada to Uruguay. The book received an Inclusion Award from the Department of Culture of the Intendencia of Colonia, Uruguay, recognizing its contribution to cultural understanding and accessibility. Both the first and second books have been included in the Azores Regional Reading Plan (LER Açores), affirming their educational and literary value.
The latest installment, Néveda in the Vineyard Landscape of Pico Island, published last autumn, introduces young readers to the UNESCO World Heritage vineyard landscape of Pico, exploring the history, culture, and traditions associated with one of the Azores’ most iconic environments.
Beyond sharing Néveda’s adventures, Terry Costa uses these presentations to introduce children and families to translated works from other cultures and languages that explore themes of island life, imagination, belonging, and personal development.
As Néveda continues her travels through the Azores, she has become much more than a literary character. She serves as a cultural ambassador for the islands, connecting local traditions with global audiences while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a sense of place among younger generations.
Schools, community groups, and organizations interested in hosting a visit from Néveda during the month of June may contact MiratecArts directly. Readers can also follow the character’s continuing adventures through the project’s social media platforms.
From Pico to the world and back again, Néveda’s journey continues to demonstrate how stories rooted in a small island can travel far beyond the horizon while remaining deeply connected to the place that inspired them.
Adapted from press Release from MiratecArts
Pntos by: Jorge Blayer Góis