Viva Mãe Soberana! Viva Mãe Soberana!
An emotional day in Loulé, last Sunday, celebrating the festival of Mae Soberana.
Arriving early
I approach the dais
As close as I can get
The arrival of the priests
The ceremony begins
Peace be with you, young Skywalker?
The scouts link hands
Hoisted onto shoulders
Down into the waiting crowd
Parading through the streets
Expectant crowd
An image for posterity
Swift stepping marching girls
Followed by the band
The Senhora arrives at the church square
The crowd look on, and cheer
Peace at last
The sun sets on the Sanctuarium
For 15 years I’ve wanted to be a part of this ceremony. The captions tell part of the story, but it’s a memory I hope will stay with me forever.
Impossible to share in Six Words, but I tried. Viva Mãe Soberana! Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.
restlessjo 
Wow, what an event! Great photos. Thank you for the post, Jo!
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A bit of fun on a dismal day, Amy, 😊☔
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I love the passion and traditions of Portuguese culture. Now, this is the difference between being a visitor and staying put in one place for a while is the indepth knowledge you gain. Jo, it does look like every week your transition from the UK to Portugal is becoming easier.
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I was just thinking, after the first of our UK visitors have gone home, how very much like home this now feels, Suzanne. It was great to show them around but it’s lovely to settle back into our ‘real’ life. 🙂 🙂
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How lovely you finally got to see this celebration Jo . On the continent let’s say really seem to know how to bring a community together with these kind of celebrations … considerable organisation involved too.
I’ve found you in your new home ! Portugal 😉
Life there with adjustments of course appears good Jo from the very quick look I’ve managed so far .
Marvejols:) x
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How very wonderful to welcome you here, Poppy! I have just said goodbye to my friends from Newcastle this evening and you are a superb replacement. 🙂 🙂 Hope you are well?
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Aw Jo 😘
All good thanks . I decided it was time to join in the fun once again 🙂
Saying goodbyes is never nice , but I’m sure your friends will have had a brilliant time visiting with you . No doubt looking up return flights ASAP Lol
Currently enjoyong a break in Cornwall and can’t quite believe our luck with the weather 🌞
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Great post and very nice photos. I love this kind of happenings. Last time I saw something similar in Funchal.
Have a good day!
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The Catholic countries do this kind of celebration so beautifully, Sartenada. It was a joy to be there. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for your company!
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How beautiful Jo, I’m glad you made it this year. I’m not religious either but the festivals are fascinating and stunning to see. Hugs sweetie 🙂
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I never saw so many people take to the streets for an occasion like this, Gilly. It felt like all of Loulé were chanting ‘Viva!’ Astonishing 🙂 🙂 Love you, hon!
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It must be lovely not having to squeeze everything in anymore, you can see it all slowly now. Love you too sweetie x
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Thank you very much for this beautiful information!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your company!!!!
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Morning, Efi 🙂 🙂 We are going to leave them in peace for a few hours this morning, to join our walking friends. They like a more gentle pace of life.
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Here it is raining again….. this spring is so strange …..
Enjoy every moment as you like !!! Kisses!!!!
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Forgotten what rain is! 😦 29/30C at midday and really too hot for walking, but we should be finished by then. Hugs, darlin!
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💙💙💙 (((( HUGS)))))) 💙💙💙
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Hoping this finds you well and enjoying the sunshine.
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Thanks, Atreyee! Life is being very kind to us. 🙂 🙂 You too, I hope?
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Yes, thank you. 🙂
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so beautiful Jo! something I would love to participate. thanks for sharing 🙂 🙂
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The emotion was amazing, LolaWi. I never saw so many people on the streets 😍🌷🎆🌻💕
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You waited a long time, Jo! How wonderful! I am so glad you have the opportunity! 🙂
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The first part of the ceremony takes place on Easter Sunday, Debbie, and if we are in the Algarve we head for the streets of flowers in Sao Bras, so we’ve always missed that. The return trip is amazing. I never saw so many people thronging the streets of Loulé, even for Carnival. 🙂 🙂
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I have to plead ignorance here. You do seem to be going to a lot of religious celebrations since your move to Portugal. Wouldn’t be my thing, but it looks as though you are enjoying yourself. Does this mean you have found religion? Or just a passion for festivals?
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It’s simply the time of year, Jude. They carry her down from the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday and the return trip is the bit I’ve posted. It probably deserves more of an explanation than I’ve given in 6 words but the link to Wikipedia gives details, for anyone who’s interested. As I’ve said before, I’m not really religious but I do find belief fascinating and on this scale it is quite astounding to see so many people taking part. Maybe religion will grab me someday- who knows? And I’d probably be a better person for it. 🙂 🙂
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I think you are a good person Jo, without the religious bit. So many wars, intolerance and hatred caused by religion. Say no more…
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How wonderful to be there to celebrate this special festival. 🙂 Great photos, Jo!
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Thanks Amy. I couldn’t believe the crowd that turned out to see her 😍🌸🌻🌷🍀💕
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I’m enjoying your time in Portugal–a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Did the marching band play hymns or was it mainly marches?
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Mostly marches, with a few fancy steps from the girls 😊💕
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