Photography: AZUL
The typical celebrations in honor of São Sebastião and São Vicente (Saint Sebastian and Saint Vincent), popularly known as the “Festa dos Bêbados” (Drunken Festivities), are about to begin.
From January 20 to 22, the locals, residents of Ericeira, expats and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in one of the most genuine celebrations in town, which takes place outdoors, challenging the whims of “General Winter,” whether in the form of cold or rain – although the weather forecasts for this year are quite favorable.
faith, tradition and a festive atmosphere come together into an unique celebration
These festivities, blending the sacred and the profane, are a tradition that transcend temporal barriers, uniting older generations with the youth in an atmosphere of camaraderie that preserves a unique cultural identity. Between the Chapel of Saint Sebastian (Capela de São Sebastião) and the musical stage, an impressive wine barrel stands out.
The Parish of Ericeira presents a program that reflects all of this: January 20, dedicated to Saint Sebastian, will have festive masses at 12 pm and 7 pm at the Parish Church, with the presence of the venerated saint’s image. At 8:30 pm, unmarried and married men will have their own celebration with the “Dinner of Saint Sebastian.”
The second day, January 21, maintains the religious tone with masses at 9 am, 12 pm and 7 pm, again at the Parish Church and with the presence of the Image of Saint Sebastian.
The festivities conclude on January 22 with celebrations in honor of Saint Vincent. At 2 pm, the Chapel of Saint Sebastian – which was classified as a monument of public interest in 2018 – hosts the Votive Mass dedicated to Saint Vincent, Patron Saint of the Lisbon Diocese. Following that, there will be a lively party in Largo de São Sebastião, starting at 3 pm, where the traditional biscuits and wine will join the musical entertainment… a glass or two, or more, since the party has no exact ending time.
Festa dos Bêbados 2014. – ph. AZUL
Festa dos Bêbados transcends mere religious celebration. This cult festival is a living testament to the culture of Ericeira, where faith, tradition and festive atmosphere come together to form this celebration.
The celebrations in honor of Saint Sebastian used to be the largest in Ericeira and its surroundings. Initially held at the Parish Church of Saint Peter, the martyr’s image was later carried in a procession, always at a brisk pace, towards its chapel on the day dedicated to Saint Vincent.
At Largo de São Sebastião, religious roots intertwine with elements of pagan nature, creating a ritual that has become intrinsic to the “Jagoz” identity. This event, renewed annually, transitions between devotion and fun, between the sacred host and the mundane biscuits, between the symbolism of Christ’s blood and the Dionysian ritual of red wine.
At the heart of this celebration we find a variety of familiar faces from Ericeira’s “Old Guard” as well as many youngster, in an intergenerational union that characterizes “A Festa dos Bêbados”.
ph. Nuno Vicente
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
