Águas de São Pedro
Recognizing the importance of the thermal springs in the region, the São Paulo State Government on 19 June 1940 founded the (Hydromineral and Climatic Spa of Águas de São Pedro). Despite this, the city celebrates its birthday on 25 July, the date in 1940 of the founding of the first major building in the city, the "Grande Hotel" (now "Grande Hotel São Pedro"). The municipality of Águas de São Pedro was incorporated by State Law No.233, of 24 December 1948.
Água de Pau
The village has a rich architectural history, and can be seen in many of the civil and religious buildings erected over the centuries. The water fountains are particularly important vestiges of the historical community. To many of the local residents, these fountains were the sources of water, and centers of community meetings and fraternization. The main "Chafariz de Água de Pau", located in the "Largo de São Pedro", the fountain "Praça da Republica" and the water fountain of "Nossa Senhora dos Anjos" were important markers of community life within the villa.
Água de Pau's principal festival occurs on the assumption day of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos aos Céus, on August 15: the second oldest religious festival on the island of São Miguel. Locals and tourists participate in the event, that includes "promessas", petitions to the Virgin Mary and prayers of thanksgiving. A traditional procession runs through the streets of the villa, showing the devotion and faith of the local community. In the following weekend, the traditional "Festa do Pescador" (Fisherman's Festival) in the seaside resort of Caloura is celebrated. In addition to music and traditional choruses, the popular local cuisine is celebrated with fried Largehead hairtail and mackerel, washed-down with local red wine and accompanied with corn bread. The feast day of Nossa Senhora das Dores is also widely celebrated, on the second or third Sunday in September.