Newsletter Newsletters Events Events Podcasts Videos Africanews
Loader
Advertisement

Blooming marvellous: Flower-decorated trays light up Portugal festival

Blooming marvellous: Flower-decorated trays light up Portugal festival
Copyright  Associtated Press
Copyright Associtated Press
By Sinead Barry with Associated Press
Published on Updated
Share this article Comments
Share this article Close Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Copy to clipboard Copied

Traditionally, men walk alongside the female tray-carriers but are only expected to help share the load if there is an accident and the carrier requires assistance

ADVERTISEMENT

Tomar's historic Trays Festival saw more than 700 participants in the Portuguese town on Sunday.

The festival is deeply rooted in Christianity, where women carry ornate trays decorated with bread and flowers as offerings to the Holy Spirit. Participants from all walks of life take part, carrying these vertical structures weighing around 16 kg for 5 km.

Traditionally, men walk alongside the female tray-carriers but are only expected to help share the load if there is an accident and the carrier requires assistance

The Trays Festival happens only once every four years and dates back to the 16th century.

Want more news?

Video editor • Thomas Duthois

Go to accessibility shortcuts
Share this article Comments

Read more

Jerusalem's Old City illuminated during Festival of Lights

The second Gnaoua Music Festival celebrated centuries of musical tradition

Why is the Portuguese region of Alentejo an undiscovered paradise?