Today in Viana do Castelo, 98 women from seven countries showed the “vanity” they feel “in the culture and traditions” of their “ancestors” during the Mordomia parade, which ran through the streets of the city for more than two hours.
“This is our way of showing what our ancestors were like. I’m very proud to be showing off my grandmother’s clothes and the gold that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s a great vanity. It gives you goose bumps,” said Ana Moreno, 31, from the parish of Outeiro.
The radiology technician, who was the face of the Pilgrimage of Agony poster in 2012, started taking part in the Mordomia parade at the age of 14, the minimum age required to take part in one of the highlights of the festivities, but she still took part in other numbers and processions as a child.
“I’m going to keep taking part until I make it. When I have a lot of grey hair, I want to go over to the other side and help organize the parade,” said Ana Moreno.
Opening the parade, which began to form at the Palácio dos Cunhas, where the old Civil Government used to be, is the women’s group from Ribeira.
Lara Silva, 23, with her hands around her waist, proudly shows off the costume and gold that she has passed down from generation to generation. Lara started parading in the processions in the costume of the Ribeira when she was 3 years old and, from the age of 14, she joined the Mordomia.
“I dress as a varina because I’m representing one of the pillars of my life, which I no longer have. My great-grandmother. The costume I’m wearing belonged to my great-grandmother and this is my tribute to my family,” said Lara.
The “vanity” she feels for the costume of the stream has been passed on to her cousin Leonor Teixeira, 16, who started parading in the pilgrimage 10 years ago.
“My great-grandmother was a varina and my grandfather was a fisherman. I saw my cousin parading and felt that I really wanted to do something for our family. I’ll be here whenever I can,” said the young student.
Although she takes part in the stewardship parade, the procession to the sea on Sunday is her favorite part because it’s the tribute the fishermen pay to their patron saint, Our Lady of Agony.
Inês Pardaleja, 18, from Braga, let the “bug” passed down to her from her grandfather, who was always involved in organizing the festival, speak louder and decided to make her debut in the Mordomia parade.
“Finally, this year, I gave in to the bug, I really wanted to do this, also a lot for him. I’m really enjoying the atmosphere and I want to take advantage of it. I want to do everything right,” said the veterinary student.
Maria Cândida Ribeiro, 64, and her sister Helena Oliveira, 50, from the municipality of Baião, in the district of Porto, have been parading in the Mordomia for six years and never tire of praising the Agonia pilgrimage.
“It’s the most beautiful festival. Ours is different. I love the pilgrimage,” said Maria Cândida, who started parading in rented costumes, but has already bought a costume from Ribeira Lima, because she really likes red, and her next purchase will be green from Geraz do Lima.
Six family members took part, including sisters and nieces, but since she retired from the butcher’s where she worked she hasn’t missed a year, accompanied by her sister Helena.
The sisters were “sad” that they wouldn’t be staying in town for the rest of the festivities, but they couldn’t find accommodation.
“We came today and will return on Sunday for the procession to the sea and the serenade,” she said.
Tânia Manso, 45, has paraded for 25 years and is now volunteering to organize the parade.
The kindergarten teacher would rather spend her time “helping to pass on the culture and tradition” of the city and “helping the younger ones to dress and dress well”.
“It’s a different feeling. It’s more like collaboration and a mission to ensure that everything goes well, so that the mordomas parade well dressed and gowned.”
