Parises in Bloom: Next weekend all roads will lead to the Heart of the Mountains
With family or friends, this weekend invites you to visit the picturesque village of Parises, in the heart of the Serra do Caldeirão de São Brás de Alportel, which will be lively with a program of walks, intergenerational creative workshops, pilgrimage, Eucharist, snacks, crafts, performances, the fun mountain dance and the traditional auction of flower trays dedicated in honor of Our Lady of Fátima.
The tradition returns to Parises next weekend, May 10th and 11th, with a new edition of the Festa dos Tabuleiros Floridos, which features a program packed with activities for the whole family, as part of the “Aldeias de Portugal” route.
A special weekend featuring a pilgrimage, the traditional candlelight procession, a dance with a tray auction, and many new features, including several walks and workshops for children and adults to learn how to make "party cookies" and prepare flower trays.
The picturesque village of Parises, located in the heart of the Serra do Caldeirão de São Brás de Alportel, celebrates this weekend the apparition of Fátima to the shepherd children, with another edition of the beautiful Festa dos Tabuleiros Floridos in honor of Our Lady of Fátima, a religious tradition that annually attracts many hundreds of visitors.
The program starts on Saturday, at 9:00 am, next to the Parish Church of São Brás de Alportel, with a pilgrimage to the Chapel of Our Lady of Fátima (Parises). An initiative of the Scout Group 1330 of São Brás de Alportel.
Registrations open until May 9th, at 4:00 pm, at the Municipal Council's Citizen's Office or through the following contacts: 289 840 000 (national landline) / municipe@cm-sbras.pt.
The walks continue in the afternoon, starting at the churchyard of the São Brás de Alportel Parish Church at 3:00 p.m. The National Road Walk invites participants to cover 20 kilometers on a highly difficult route. This initiative is supported by the São Brás de Alportel City Council, which provides a support vehicle and return transportation for participants. Registration is open until 4:00 p.m. on May 9th. Contact: 289 840 000 (national landline) or municipe@cm-sbras.pt.
At the same time, the Walk along the Trails connecting to the Via Algarviana begins at the same location. This walk, organized by "São Brás a Caminhar," takes participants on a 17-kilometer, highly difficult route.
The traditional Candlelight Procession in the Churchyard of the Parises Chapel begins at 9:30 pm and closes the first day of this event.
THE Sunday, the 11th, begins with a stroll through the village fields, starting at 9:30 a.m. near Casa da Serra – Serra do Caldeirão Interpretive Center. After picking the flowers, it's time to participate in an intergenerational workshop to prepare flower trays, which includes making "party cookies"!
A very special mission to give new life to this ancient tradition, through the hands of the youngest, led by the “Friends of the Village” Working Group.
Participation in these activities requires prior registration and a fee of three euros per person. Registration is available by contacting: 289 840 019 (national landline) / municipe@cm-sbras.pt.
Meanwhile, the Mercadinho na Aldeia returns to Parque da Serra, starting at 12:00 pm, with crafts, local products and delicious meals and snacks.
The Eucharist in honor of Our Lady of Fátima will be held in the Parises Chapel at 3:30 p.m. This will be followed by the traditional dance with Válter Reis and the performance of the "Vozes do Barrocal" and the group "São Brás Bailando" as well as the highly anticipated auction of the flower trays.
The Flower Tray Festival is one of the most emblematic traditions of the mountainous region of São Brás de Alportel and attracts hundreds of visitors every year, promoting intangible heritage and strengthening community ties.
This special edition of the Festival of the Flower Trays in honor of Our Lady of Fatima is organized, in partnership, by the Municipal Council of São Brás de Alportel, the Parish of São Brás de Alportel and the Scout Group 1330 of São Brás de Alportel, with the support of the IN LOCO Association, the Group “São Brás a Caminhar” and the Working Group “Friends of the Village”.
