The festivities in honour of São João da Degola, culminating on August 29, return with the traditional “Holy Bath”.

Until August 29, Praia da Manta Rota will be the venue for the festivities celebrating São João da Degola, offering sports, dances, music, performances, religious observances, and a fireworks display.

The traditional Banho Santo (Holy Bath) will once again be the highlight of the celebrations on August 29 at 11h00.

The historical recreation, carried out by the association «A Manta», marks the date on which Saint John the Baptist was beheaded. The ancient tradition attracts hundreds of people to this beach area every year.

In years gone by, August 29 was the day people of the Algarve mountains headed down to the beach, accompanied by pack animals, to take a bath that was believed to be “holy” and capable of curing all ills. At the end of the ritual, the celebration ended with a picnic.

On August 29, religious celebrations will take place with a Solemn Mass in the Manta Rota chapel (18h00), followed by the Procession in honour of Saint John the Baptist (19h00).

Portuguese singer Luciana Abreu is the headlining act on stage on the last night of celebrations (22h30), ending with a fireworks display at Largo São João da Degola (00h00).