Pai Velho | Traditions and Folklore from Portugal (Ponte da Barca, Minho)
The βEntrudo do Pai Velhoβ (literally, Shrovetide of the old father), in the border village of Lindoso, in Ponte da Barca, is a unique tradition in Portugal, although it resembles some neighbouring carnivals on the Galician side. This ancient ceremony marks the beginning of the agricultural year for the mountain people, who say farewell to winter and celebrate the arrival of spring. The festivities begin at the foot of the βespigueirosβ (granaries), with the Castle of Lindoso in front, to the sound of drums, concertinas, castanets and various songs.
The festival itself begins on Shrove Tuesday with a parade of two ox carts, one with a wooden bust representing βpai velhoβ (βold fatherβ, symbolizing winter) and the other βdas Ervasβ (βof herbsβ, symbolizing spring). Behind follow musicians and neighbors, who sing traditional songs. Amongst them, a dozen figures in white lit a candle, and carry cross at the front, while groaning and shouting: βGoodbye Old Father! You were a good Fatherβ. At night, the figure is burned in the center of the village, with a parallel reading of local jokes in a satirical manner. The bust, of course, is saved for next year's festivities. This type of ritual with medieval roots is carried out in Castelo and Parada, on Fat Sunday and Shrove Tuesday.
