Equestrian Pilgrimage

Went with Ermelinda to the biggest event of the year in Padre Luís's new parish, which is an equestrian pilgrimage from Moita, this side of the Tejo, to Viana do Alentejo - about 150km. Over six hundred animals - horses, ponies, mules, and all sorts of people - whole families, mostly on horseback, but a lot of carriages as well. Extras, of one small lad, and another of Padre Luís, far left, on a platform, with the saint from Moita plus the local one.

After the service in the church, we sat in the hot sun waiting (and waiting) for the horses to arrive, which they eventually did, Padre Luís led a small ceremony, and then the horses just kept on coming. And coming. And coming. An amazing sight.

Gratefuls:
- being able to witness this centuries old tradition
- dinner with Luís (who then had to rush off to lead a procession, with another one tomorrow)
- getting home safely, through wild boar country