A new year begins in the region of Terra Fria and the A. Montesinho recovers with it one of the most famous traditions of brigantine, where single boys, through rounds and loas (with an especially nocturnal character) go out into the streets masked and/or dressed as caretos, accompanied by musicians and butlers!
In terms of calendar, the Boys’ Festival usually begins in the cycle of the Winter Solstice, and is set from December 24th to January 6th.
The main objective? To wish ‘Happy Holidays’ and prosperity, going around the villages and doing the usual begging. A number of activities are integrated into these celebrations, such as the famous Midnight Mass, where the boys are the protagonists and the first to do the devotion to the Baby Jesus. Afterwards, they return to their ceremonies. Regarding the loas, these are usually narrative moments where events of the past year in the village are recounted, including caricatured episodes.
The festivities end with physical tests that have as their main objective to elect the butlers for the following year.
Between villages, the tradition undergoes some changes depending on customs and habits, but the essence and genesis of the party remains.
From the tradition itself, the ritual is considered to have the purpose of making the transition to adulthood, where, although the boys are the protagonists, the whole community is invited to participate.
Did you already know this tradition?
Live an experience with tradition!
Reservations: https://bit.ly/reservas-amontesinho
