The summer festivities in honor of São João da Degola return to Manta Rota beach, between the 21st and 30th of August. The entertainment program includes concerts, dances, dances and fireworks, but the highlight of the celebrations takes place on August 29, at 11:00 am, with «Banho Santo», in the middle of the Manta Rota beach.
Vila Real de Santo António City Council explains that “the sea bathing is a meeting that takes place annually on 29 August, marking the date on which, according to tradition, São João Baptista was beheaded. In years gone by, this was the day when people from the Algarve mountains would travel to the beach, accompanied by their pack animals, to “bath” and have a picnic».
The party program starts on Friday, August 21st, with concerts and balls starting at 21 pm. Among the artists to take the stage are Domingos e Amigos, Som Ritmo, Some and Others, Bailasons, Duo Reflexo, among others.
on saturday the 29th, the program starts with the Holy Bath, at 11:00 am, on the beach at Manta Rota. At 18:30 pm, there is a procession and open-air mass in honor of St. John the Baptist. Later, at 21 pm, the dance begins, followed by a firework show, at midnight.
On Sunday, the 30th, the festivities close with a demonstration by the dance group «Arutla» and a ball with «Duo Reflexo».
All shows take place in the square in front of the Center for Arts and Crafts (the former casino building) and are free to enter.
The festivities in honor of São João da Degola are organized by the association «A Manta» with support from the Vila Real de Santo António Town Hall, from the Parish Council of Vila Nova de Cacela.
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