Local Event Spotlight: Festas em Honra da Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem
August in is in full swing, and in Ericeira, that means it’s time for Festas em Honra da Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem. Translated to Festivities in Honor of Our Lady of the Good Voyage, this annual celebration intertwines history, religion, and fun over the course of ten action-packed days. If you’re visiting Ericeira during this time, take a look at some of the highlights; you may want to incorporate this festival into your plans.
Originally celebrated in 1947, this festival is in honor of Ericeira’s patron saint. Our Lady is the patron saint of fisherman, and is therefore intricately intertwined with Ericeira’s rich fishing traditions. For the first celebration, the festival was smaller—just a single procession with two boat-shaped floats, one honoring Our Lady, the other honoring Saint Peter.
Now, there is a combination of religious and secular activities stretching across more than a week. Certain traditions remain strong. For example, fishermen decorate their boats with fishing nets, flags, and lights. One lucky boat is selected each year in a lottery to carry the images of Our Lady and Saint Peter across the harbor; this boat displays a quilt to mark its special honor.
In the days leading up to this year’s event, Ericeira center was transformed. Vendors set up stalls in Largo das Ribas, and a large stage was erected, overlooking Praia dos Pescadores. Throughout town center, beautiful lights were strung up, paying homage to the ties between the village and the ocean. The party kicked off on August 7th with a recitation of the rosary and mass, followed by a concert headlined by Romana.
For the remainder of the festival, a wide range of other activities await. Every night includes concerts and dances. Special dates to look out for include August 12th, which will see famous Fado singers, such as José Manual Neto, take the stage.
On August 15th, there will be swimming and paddling competitions in the morning, again highlighting the bond between Ericeira and the ocean. In the evening, the festival’s showstopper event will take place: the procession at sea. Following the procession, there will be fireworks, capping off an extraordinary event with true style.
You can see the entire schedule at the festival’s official site. They also have a fascinating timeline of the celebration’s history; take a look at how this beloved event has changed over time.
And, if you’re lucky enough to be in Ericeira during the festivities, join in with the fun and make unforgettable memories as you celebrate the village, the sea, and the people who have called this place home for centuries.
