Today something quite special happens in Olhão

And we are going to miss it! We are so disappointed as we thoroughly enjoyed it last year. But what am I talking about I hear you ask. I am talking about the Blessing of the Sea which is a traditional event in Olhão, and takes place about midway in their ‘Procissão do Senhor dos Passos‘, which is an extraordinary event in itself. Unfortunately we only discovered last weekend it was taking place today and we had already booked this weekend’s visit to Porto. Hopefully there will be similar processions in Porto as this event is part of Lent, however Olhão is rather special of course as it includes the Blessing of the Sea.

‘Procissão do Senhor dos Passos‘ takes place late afternoon, commencing after the celebration of the Eucharist at Igreja Matriz. After leaving the church the image of Senhor Jesus dos Passo will be joined by the image of Nossa Senhora das Dores, and then accompanied by members of the church they will walk through Olhão.  If you are able to visit Olhão this afternoon then do!

The exact route is as follows – Restoration Square, Rua Capão João Carlos de Mendonça, Rua Dr. Miguel Bombarda, Rua Dr. Pádua, Largo Dr. Padua, Rua João de Deus, Travessa dos Mercadores, Rua Teófilo Braga , Patrão Joaquim Lopes Square, Municipal Markets, 5 de Outubro Avenue, Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes Street, Rua de São José, Travessa de São José, Rua de São Pedro, Rua Carlos da Maia, Rua Dr. João Lúcio, Rua Vasco da Gama, Avenida da República (ascending and descending directions), Praça da Restauração before returning to Igreja Matriz.

They do stop every now and again for smaller blessings, so it is well worth following the procession. Alternatively you can simply wait in one of the cafes by the market buildings for the Blessing of the Sea. Last year they arrived here around 5pm. I have no idea if it will be the same this year, although probably as the celebration of the Eucharist is at the same time – 3pm.

All of these photographs I took last year, and are all the ones I didn’t use in last year’s post. If you would like to see more photographs then click here to visit that post, and if you are able to go this afternoon do let me know!