Paper Costume Parade: on the UNESCO route with a ‘holy bath’ in the sea

In Porto, there are traditions that are still what they were, such as the emblematic St. Bartholomew's Parade. This year, the theme of the centenary initiative is the Olympic Games.

Filipa Santos Sousa - Redatora • August 9, 2024

Photos: provided by PR / Disclosure / DR | Images from previous editions

Have you ever heard of the St. Bartholomew’s Parade? If you’re from Porto, the answer is probably yes. However, if you’re passing through, it’s worth watching the paper costume parade, a centuries-old tradition that’s not boring at all.

This year, the emblematic initiative will take place on the 25th of august on Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., the starting point is Jardim das Sobreiras (in the Cantareira area). Afterwards, the traditional paper costume parade literally ends in the sea – in the waters of Praia do Ourigo.

The Paper Costume Parade is organized by the Union of Parishes of Aldoar, Foz do Douro and Nevogilde, and the theme for the 2024 edition is “The Olympic Games – The Cities of Our Medals”.

In all, more than 500 extras are expected to parade. In addition, each block will be represented by a different city and/or country and these are some of the examples:

The Bloc of the Union of Parishes of Aldoar, Nevogilde and Foz do Douro will represent France
Orfeão da Foz do Douro will pay tribute to Ancient Greece
The Fonte de Moura Sports Club pays tribute to London
The Aldoar Neighborhood Association will represent Rio de Janeiro, among others.

The traditional paper costume parade is back — Photo: courtesy of PR / Disclosure / DR | Archive image from previous editions

Paper Costume Parade in the run-up to UNESCO

The 2024 edition is special not only because it preserves a tradition that is more than 150 years old, but also because it represents a step forward in its candidacy for the UNESCO.

Work on this application is being carried out by the Aldoar, Foz do Douro and Nevogilde Parish Council. But also with the help of the Spanish municipalities of Mollerus and Amposta (Catalonia) and Gueñes (Basque Country), all of which have a tradition of paper costumes.

A glimpse of history

The São Bartolomeu pilgrimage has its origins in the 19th century. At that time, devotees believed that the Devil was on the loose and that Saint Bartholomew manifested himself in the waters. That’s why they dived into the sea in search of divine protection.

In this scenario, many of the faithful went to Foz do Douro to take part in the so-called “holy bath”. In the 1930s, the tradition of paper costumes emerged, with the first parade taking place in 1952.