São Brás de Alportel is preparing to host its century-old flower torch show, Festa das Tochas Floridas, held every year on Easter Sunday.
The festival is inspired by a once popular Easter celebration that took place throughout the Algarve, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But while the tradition was lost in other towns, São Brás continues to host the event every year.
Festivities begin at 9.30am with the unveiling of stunning flower carpets around the town and the opening of an “Easter Flavours” market at Largo de São Sebastião and a handicraft fair outside the local church.
At 10am, the Resurrection Eucharist will begin at the church followed by the popular ‘Aleluia’ (Hallelujah) procession, which has seen generations of local men carrying the flower torches whilst chanting “He has risen, as he said. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”.
Starting at 3.30pm, the churchyard will become the main hub of activities, with stalls selling sweets and petiscos (tapas), a contest to elect the “most beautiful flower torches” and musical performances.
The event is organised by the local cultural association Associação Cultural Sambrasense alongside the municipal council and local parish, with support from several local groups and associations.
