The second weekend every September there is a marvellous ‘festa’ held in the local village of Alpedrinha. It celebrates the return of the shepherds and their herds from the mountains. Themed around cheese, traditional music and the culture of the shepherds, the festival is attended by hundreds of people from near and far…
This year a mural was unveiled that commemorates Antonio Lopes senior who passed away and was a local character and founder of the festival. A traditional shepherd himself, he taught his son, Antonio, our friend the ways of the animals and the mountains…
From Friday to Sunday the village was awash with people eating, singing, taking part in workshops and dancing too! Miriam and Catherine arrived back from walking in the Serra de Estrella just in time to enjoy the festivities.
These lovely ladies came from Ireland to spend some time at Mount of Oaks relaxing and taking in some walks in the region – and we had such a great time together they are planning on returning again. Why did they like it some much – well what they said was that it was the atmosphere and the ‘craic’!
Every year the village twins with another region that also still produces cheese with traditional methods and has a practice of local costumes and instruments. This year it was Asturias in northern Spain. The image above is one of the bands that came down with their beautiful bagpipes and drums.
The spirits were high, and the cherry liquior was royally presented in edible chocolate cups!
In the evening the streets were full of people moving to the music.
Samuel was carried mostly by Eric in his super duper backpack allowing the wee man an excellent view of the action.
Neighbours Tyra and Martine were producing a fresh sangria with their grapes and pears – oh it was delicious. Many others had little stalls selling their produce and drinks. A great opportunity to boost the local economy!
Friends Eva and Isik loved all the beautiful decorations inside the houses that had been converted into taverns or cafe’s. This snap doesnt convey clearly how beautiful this room looked!
Yes lots of fun!
We even bumped into our fantastic neighbour Sr Aqulies and the marvellous Andrea and Manuel! Together we were blown away by the music of ‘O Gajo’.
On the Sunday of the festa we have been taking part in the annual walk behind the sheep from Fundao to Alpedrinha. This year there were huge numbers of people, and groups who had come especially to take part in the unusual tradition.
We saw the sunrise in Alpedrinha before getting a bus to Fundao….we were, me, Marcia, Sami, our saintly volunteer Alex, lovely Pia, plus Catherine and Miriam. And as it turned out too many to fit in the first bus! So Miriam, Catherine and I waited it out patiently on the side of the road until our lift arrived!
Arriving into Fundao we joined the others outside the town hall and waited for the sheep and shepherds to arrive.
And then we set off….
We had about 6 shepherds and a guy from the village on his horse accompanying the group. It was a lovely pace and gave the chance for me to walk along with Catherine and get to know this amazing lady a little more!
At the top of the mountain before we began to descend into Alpedrinha, we stopped for a break and snacks. Even though it was only 11am the wine was flowing into some eager mouths..
Miriam looking beautiful!
We arrived into the village where we were welcomed with the streets lined with well wishers. It was hot and so we celebrated the walk with a yummy lunch!
In order to get an idea of the walk from the perspective of one of the participants – check this little video. Or this video from one of the news stations that shows more about the festa and its other traditions – for example how the drums are made!
Other useful information in English cane be found here.
Until next year….
