The tradition of the «Banho Santo» of August 29 is fulfilled again at Praia da Manta Rota, in Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA), to show «how things used to be». The initiative, which attracts, year after year, hundreds of curious people to the bathing area, is the highlight of the festivities in honor of São João da Degola, which that locality hosts between the 27th and 31st of August.
The «Banho Santo» is scheduled for 11:29 on the XNUMXth, on the sandy beach of Manta Rota. This bathing in the sea marks the date when, according to tradition, St. John the Baptist was beheaded. «In past years, this was the day when people from the Algarve mountains traveled to the beach, accompanied by their pack animals, to “bath”», describes the Chamber of VRSA.
In order not to let tradition die, the association «A Manta» and the Vilarealense autarchy returned to betting on the historical recreation of the event. “The ceremony does not leave out the animals of pack and transport, the traditional clothes – such as long robes and straw hats -, nor does it forget the picnic with genuinely Algarve products”, adds the Chamber.
In addition to this initiative, there will be several attractions, over five days, such as balls, concerts, a fado contest, folklore and fireworks. Initiatives that have free entry and take place in front of the Center for Arts and Crafts (building of the old casino).
The party program starts on Wednesday, August 27th, with the first round of the VII Amateur Fado Contest in Vila Real de Santo António, at 21 pm. On Thursday night, the evening is reserved for the ball and the prize waltz.
On Friday, the 29th, after the «Banho Santo», there is a procession and mass in the open air in honor of St. John the Baptist, at 18 pm. At 21 pm, the dance begins, followed by the celebration of the 23th anniversary of the Praia da Manta Rota Folklore Ranch. At 30:XNUMX, the group «Dyran & Los Angeles de La Havana» takes to the stage, followed by a fireworks show at midnight.
On the 30th, from 21 pm, the program is entirely dedicated to the XII Folklore Festival at Praia da Manta Rota, which this year has four guest groups. On Sunday, the parties end with a show by the dance group «Arutla» and a ball with «Duo Reflexo».
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