The Festival Terras sem Sombra now changes its setting to Santiago do Cacém, where another intense program of discoveries around heritage, music and biodiversity is being prepared.
On the 25th and 26th of March, attention is focused on the history and art of a land that belonged to the Military Order of Santiago da Espada, without forgetting the rich local “mythology” and, of course, the people who live here – and that they will get involved in the planting of cork oaks, helping to save the forest of the former convent of Nossa Senhora do Loreto.
The Festival also has the presence of an exceptional musical group, coming from the United States.
As has become customary in this year's edition, the event begins Saturday, at 14:30 pm, with a visit to the historic center of Santiago do Cacém, a stately land, where churches, palaces and mansions guard historical treasures.
The main church, at the top of the castle, is the meeting point of a route that will visit this fortress, the façade of the Palácio dos Condes de Avillez, the old Jewish quarter, the chapel of Almas, the church of Misericórdia, the more than XNUMX years old Sociedade Harmonia and other little-known monuments, not to mention a windmill, recently recovered in Cumeadas.
The focus of the tour, however, will be the palace of the Counts of Bracial, a beautiful building from the romantic period, which opens its doors to the public for the first time on this day.
But walking through the old streets of the city is also the opportunity to learn about stories from other times and compare usages and traditions. For example, the legend of the tunnel that connects the castle of Santiago to the ruins of Miróbriga, defying the laws of gravity.
Or the fear caused by the appearance of avejões (ghosts), which manifested themselves, especially on nights with a full moon, at two crossroads in the village, the Cantos do Meio-Day and the Cantos de Santo António. Or the scares caused by the lost soul of the “old countess” to those who ventured out of hours on the street at the elbow, next to the Casa das Heras…
From New York to Alentejo: Brentano String Quartet
For the evening, a great concert is reserved, with what is considered by the critics as one of the best – if not the best – string quartets today.
After visiting some of the main European capitals, the Brentano String Quartet ends his itinerary in Alentejo with the concert “Perpétuo Movimento: Around A Arte da Fuga”. It is a tribute to JS Bach, in which the famous German composer will be heard alongside Gesualdo, Kurtag, Gubaidulina and Britten.
O Brentano String Quartet is currently the resident titular quartet of the mythical Yale School of Music, succeeding the Tokyo Quartet in that position.
Since its creation in 1992, it has been highly applauded by the public and critics. In recent seasons, he has traveled tirelessly, touring the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia – and performing in the most prestigious theaters in the world.
About the program that was announced for Terras sem Sombra, writes the Washington Post: “rewarding in every way”. It's the London Independent goes even further by classifying it as “passionate and fascinating”.
Defend the former Loreto convent and its cork oak forest
On Sunday morning, at 10:00 am, the Festival Terras sem Sombra continues, this time in its defense of biodiversity. And the target will be the cultural landscape around the old convent of Nossa Senhora do Loreto.
Taking advantage of the proximity to World Forest Day, the day will be devoted to safeguarding the cork oak forest, focusing on a key aspect of its continuity – renovation. To this end, several dozen cork oaks will be planted, coming from the Mata Nacional de Valverde, in Alcácer do Sal.
It is also intended to define a “specifications” for monitoring the plants, ensuring their protection. This initiative will involve the local community: whoever plants a cork oak will be its protector and promise to water it next summer, in order to guarantee its survival. A plaque will mark the name of the “godfather” of each tree.
All activities of the Festival Terras sem Sombra are free (guided visit, concert and activity for biodiversity) and do not require registration.
Santiago do Cacém Program
25 March
Patrimony
14:30 pm – 17:30 pm – Visit to the Historic Center
Featured location – Palace of the Counts of Bracial
Meeting point – Main Church of Santiago Maior
Music
21:30 pm – Brentano String Quartet
Perpetual Movement: Around The Art of Escape
Location: Main Church of Santiago Maior
Viola_ Misha Amory
Violin_ Serena Canin
Cello_ Nina Lee
Violin_ Mark Steinberg
26 March
Biodiversity
The Cultural Landscape around the Convento do Loreto – ensuring its continuity
10:00 am – Departure _ Main Church of Santiago Maior
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