Six word Saturday

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.

6wsButton

76 comments

  1. Wow, looks spectacular Jo – hadn’t heard of the festival but love to observe them whenever I’m lucky enough to come across one in my travels. Enjoyed participating third-hand!

    Like

    Reply

  4. What a gift Jo. I honestly got chills looking at the men carrying the floral draped housing containing the Sovereign Mother – no I am not Catholic but I love watching parades and traditional celebrations of faith – thank you for treating me both here.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I would love to be a believer, Lisa, but being a part of it is sometimes enough. Impossible to show you how many people turned out to witness this, both old and young. I felt privileged. 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Pingback: Slow Down You Move Too Fast

  8. I just think it is so wonderful that the comminites stay with tradition and have the festivals. I remember my Grandma telling me how the Italians celebrated when they first came to the US, but as that generation passed on so did many of the traditions, thanks for sharing

    Like

    Reply

    1. Promised them a relaxing weekend, Sue. Not everyone likes my pace and it’s super hot right now. T’ai chi and a nice lunch out. I’m leaving them in peace tonight while I watch Rafa with Marie 😍🎾💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. My attempts at language learning are always hit and miss! Mostly miss. You can blame whatever you want. 🙂 I found myself saying “Shukran” (Thank you in Arabic), when I was in Italy, and Hola also, instead of Buonjourno or Ciao! My mind is a muddle with language. 🙂 Yes, we made it home safely, and with no problems whatsoever. What a relief after our horrible ordeal coming home from Portugal! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.