A local festival

Galegos has one taxi driver, Joaquin, who we are going to get to know well over the next week. Our hosts have told us about a festival just over the hill today, so we take a taxi ride into Spain (we are 1km from the border, although it’s a very minor road).

So here we are in Valencia de Alcantara. The festival is dedicated to San Isidro, the patron saint of farmers, and is a decidedly local affair. Lots of families out to enjoy themselves.  We spent time watching the open air mass in the local garden park, with a great choir and supporting band. All very colourful, and the music very Spanish. I could have stood listening for a very long time, foot tappingly good, and taken very seriously. At the end of the mass the local clergy took off their cassocks and stuffed them into plastic shopping bags. That is style.

We  then watched the parade, led by men, women and children on very well appointed (Lusitano) horses. A lot of pride in their horses, and their horsemanship. Lots of floats, decorated with broom, grasses and flowers, everyone dressed up, relaxed and having fun (three extras added).


Then to a bar for a cevesa, we needed shade. A walk back to Café Nairobi via the castle (storks a plenty nesting), and a return to Portugal. The locals will be enjoying themselves well into the late evening. 

A good start to our holiday.