O porto da Horta como espaço de fronteira: a presença de estrangeiros nos registos paroquiais dos séculos XVII e XVII

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, the island of Faial was an important empori-um for Atlantic navigation. In the village of Horta, merchants and consular representatives of various nationalities were present, interacting with local merchants. In addition to these, countless people and products circulated on the island, through the ships that docked at the bay. These regular presences were the object of special attention by the local authorities, resulting in the creation of specific regulatory mechanisms, as well as shaping the society, which has become accustomed to contacts with the outside world and the benefits that could result from them. We know, through several studies, many foreigners who settled in the garden since the end of the 17th century. Most were merchants, linked to the import / export and ship assistance businesses, who also provided support to travellers who passed through the island or even held positions of consular representation. We have few sources that allow us to understand how the interactions between these individuals and the local society would be. In addition, references appear in the documentation to many other individuals or families, generally not being able to understand how long they stayed, if they were passing through or if they took up residence. This text is part of the effort to try to identify these people, in this case carrying out a survey of foreigners present in the parish records between their beginning (mid-17th century) until the end of the 18th century.