Portugal - Braga
Visit Braga during Easter, go up to the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte, a magnificent place where the works of nature and of man are brought together, and come to the Holy Week celebrations, which have taken place in the Portuguese Rome since the Middle Ages. During the festive period, the city is transformed, attracting thousands of visitors. All over the city, there are decorations based on Easter themes and pretty street altars, adorned with flowers and lights.
The city is decorated with Easter themes and the “Passos” – street altars, are filled with flowers and lights. Come to the Ecce Homo procession or burial, on Easter Friday, led by the coffin-bearers. Barefoot and with their heads covered, these men process wearing purple tunics and with torches in their hands. They are some of the most curious figures of our religious tradition and are reminiscent of the public penitent reconciliation rituals, carried out until the 17th Century.
It is said by many that Braga is the religious centre of Portugal, but it has many other Easter highlights. Treats and landscape that will take your breath away.
Portugal - Trás-os-Montes
During the week before Easter, villages and towns from Trás-os-Montes revive Christian and pagan traditions that date back to medieval times, since the procession of the « seven steps », the sacras, the burning of Judas or the burial of cod.
Throughout the year this area is known for its wine production which is delicious and stunning in equal measure.
Most common in Trás-os-Montes are, the acts of passion, as representations of popular theatre, which narrate the last days of Christ, and involve dozens of extra actors who they represent, for example, Christ, Judas, Caiphaz, Pilate, Pharisee or the Devil.
Portugal - Fatima
The story of a famous miracle in Fátima, Portugal, began in May 1917, when three children (ages 7, 9, and 10) claimed to have encountered the Virgin Mary on their way home from tending a flock of sheep. It is for this reason that for many one Easter tradition in Portugal, as a majority catholic country, is to visit Fátima. A lot of Catholics from all over the world take a day or two to visit one of the most symbolic places of the modern Christianity. The aura behind it will make it a special moment of your life, even if you are not catholic or religious at all. Just feel the atmosphere around especially at Easter time. This was true in 1917 as it is today.
Easter is a time for reflection and appreciating the things you love, and things you have and we are grateful here at the Getaway Van to be able to share these things with you in your home. There will be many opportunities to see these things and many more to come.
We hope to see you soon
The Getaway Gang.
