Today we are going to tell you about the biggest traditional festivity that takes place in our town Ponte da Barca. It is called:

Romaria de São Bartolomeu

“S.Bartolomeu” is a traditional festivity that takes place every year from 19th until 24th August. This festivity happens in honour of São Bartolomeu (Saint Bartholomew), the patron Saint of Ponte da Barca.

There are lots of people, especially immigrants, who come to Ponte da Barca at this time. They are working in other countries but they can’t stand being away. Of course there are also people from other places who want to experience all these traditions.

São Bartolomeu includes many entertainments such as: - “Cortejo” (the Parade); - “Procissão” (Procession);- “Folclore” (folk dance); - “Rusgas”/“Cantares ao Desafio” (folk singing challenge); - “Feira do Linho/Mel” (honey/linen selling markets)

There are many other entertainments that attract any immigrants and tourists to come to our town at this time of the summer.

The Procession (Procissão)It is a religious parade in which many people participate representing their parish. Each parish has a patron saint and his statue is carried through the main avenue of the town.Any person who wants to take part can do it.

This is also a parade but this one tries to show visitors the traditions and the activities that best represent each parish. The participants decorate carts pulled by bulls, small trucks or tractors and try to honour the people of their parish.

The Traditional Parade

At the end of the parade there is usually a group called “Zés Pereiras” that play loud music in a big bass drums called “bombos”. It is a very lively moment.Some people wait for hours to watch this parade.

There is no translation for this event. “Rusgas” are groups of people that go around the town singing traditional folk songs and playing the “concertinas” (a kind of accordion). Each group has to try to gather more people and create the biggest group possible.

The “Rusgas”

At the end all groups climb onto a stage and perform their songs. All groups receive a prize.This event lasts all night and involves hundreds of participants. It is amazing to see the streets filled with people, music and colours.

On the last Saturday and Sunday of the festivities, at about midnight everyone gathers to watch a fireworks show. Everyone loves to see the colourful effects in the sky and listen to the music that supports the show.

The Fireworks Show

Well, this was a short description of the festivity that everyone is anxious for. It is the happiest moment of the year. Everyone in our town, old or young, is very proud of being able to participate in a very old tradition.We hope you liked it too, and who knows… maybe you will come and visit us some day…To end this presentation we included a short film from 2007 São Bartolomeu’s festivities.

To end this presentation we included a short film from 2007 São Bartolomeu’s festivities.