The Flower Torch Festival once again fills the streets of São Brás de Alportel with color and faith

Next Easter Sunday, April 20, São Brás de Alportel will once again be dressed in colour, faith and tradition with the Festa das Tochas Floras, one of the most unique Easter celebrations in the country, centred on the emblematic Alleluia Procession.

In this festival, the main event of the São Paulo community, the streets of the village are artistically decorated with around 1 kilometre of flower carpets, prepared by the community with dedication and pride.

A collective work that begins days before with the harvesting and preparation of the flowers, a challenge launched to the entire community and takes shape in the early hours of Sunday, when hundreds of volunteers dedicate themselves, during the night, to creating the carpets along which the Alleluia Procession will pass.

Easter morning begins at 9:30 am, with the opening of the streets to the public and the start of the Easter Flavours Meeting, in Largo de São Sebastião, and the Crafts Exhibition, in the Adro da Igreja Matriz. At 10 am, at the main church, the Eucharist of the Resurrection is celebrated, followed by the long-awaited Alleluia Procession, which runs through the flower-filled streets to the sound of the traditional song: “He is risen as he said! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!”

These are moments of pure emotion, difficult to put into words!

Thousands of people gather in the streets to feel the faith of a people who sing in unison the chorus: He is risen as He said! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Throughout the afternoon, from 3:30 pm, the party continues in the Churchyard with a cultural program that includes displays of sweets and snacks, awards for the Floral Games and the flower torch competition, and music and dance performances, with the groups Os Vizinhos, São Brás Bailando and Tanya.

The Flowering Torch Festival is a joint initiative of the Sambrasense Cultural Association, the City Council of São Brás de Alportel and the Parish of São Brás, with the support of CNE – Scouts 1330, Parish Council, local associations and the entire community.

This emblematic event, which attracts thousands of national and international visitors, is also an example of inclusion: The Florida Torch Festival is once again an accessible event.

In this edition and following the example of what has been happening since 2019, the City Hall of São Brás de Alportel, in partnership with SAN – Saúde Integrativa and the Casa de Repouso e Saúde de São Brás, adapts and reserves a space on the route where the Alleluia Procession passes, with logistical support in the accompaniment and reserving parking areas to provide better conditions for people with reduced mobility who participate and watch this event. An initiative integrated into the “São Brás Accessible for All” project, which will be repeated in 2025.

Everyone is invited and is needed to participate in the preparation of the party, especially in harvesting the flowers and preparing to create the flower carpets.

To collaborate, simply contact the organisation: 969 682 694 / 910 691 116 / cultura@cm-sbras.pt

Gastronomic Fortnight “Flavours of the Pot” until April 27th

As part of the Easter celebrations, the “Flavours of the Pot” Gastronomic Fortnight will take place until April 27th, inviting you to discover the traditional flavours of the Algarve with proposals inspired by the Mediterranean Diet and well accompanied by Algarve wines. There are 6 restaurants in São Bráz that are joining the initiative, promoting local cuisine and encouraging tourism and the regional economy.

Until April 27, customers who choose these menus will also be entered into a draw for a meal voucher, to be drawn by each participating restaurant.

More information about the menus and participating establishments is available at: www.cm-sbras.pt

Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.

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