The summer parties in honor of São João da Degola will return to Manta Rota beach, with an entertainment program that includes concerts, balls and fireworks. The high point of the commemorations takes place on August 29, at 11:00 am, with the «Banho Santo», in the middle of the beach of Manta Rota.
«The famous bathing in the sea is a meeting that takes place annually on 29 August, marking the date on which, according to history, São João Baptista was beheaded», explains the Vila Real de Santo António City Council.
«In bygone years, this was the day when the people of the Algarve's mountains traveled to the beach, accompanied by pack animals, to take a bath in the sea believed to be «saint» and capable of curing all ills. At the end of the ritual, the celebration was concluded with a picnic», adds the municipality.
To keep the tradition alive, the association «A Manta» and the VRSA City Council are investing, for another year, «in the historical recreation of the event, attracting hundreds of curious people to Manta Rota to see how things used to be in other times».
The festivities also include a series of concerts and dances, always starting at 21 pm, in the square of the old casino, where various bands and artists will pass over the course of a week. On the 30th of August, the poster includes a run and solidarity march, at 26:9 am.
On August 29, in addition to the Holy Bath, at 11:00 am, there is an open-air procession and mass in honor of St. John the Baptist. Later, at 22 pm, the musical evening begins, followed by a fireworks show on the seafront at midnight.
The festivals in honor of São João da Degola are organized by the association «A Manta» and have the support of the Municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, the Parish Council of Vila Nova de Cacela and other local entities and companies.
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