Festas do Divino Espírito Santos

It was fortunate that our visit coincided with the Festa of the Divino Espirito Santos, a religious event attributed to Saint Isabel back in late 1200 early 1300 who reputedly turned roses into bread for the poor. This event takes place every year in Carregueiros, there is also a much larger event that includes all of Tomar's villages but that only occurs every four years.

The event is spread over 3 days, the inauguration of the "judge" on Friday night followed by a  BBQ lunch for who ever wants it and a "baile" - dance in the evening. The religious part is on the Sunday morning when a procession goes to the local church of São Miguel for mass. It's only a kilometre distant but the "maidens" of the village have to carry the "Coroa" on their head. It doesn't sound too onerous until you find out that the Coroa is between one to one and a half metres tall and can weigh up to 30 kilos.

The girls have a male partner to assist if needed. I saw one girl who couldn't manage and needed assistance. I should add that it was around 28/29° C. The procession was headed by two "gaiteros" - pipers and two drummers, followed by an orchestra from Tomar, the village elders and the girls with their heavy and unwieldy loads. The balance of the "Coroas" is made easier by the use of a "sogra", a ring of material that spreads the load on their head and makes the act of balancing easier and less uncomfortable.