13 June 2013

13th June, St. Anthony's day, patron of Lisbon

The Portuguese affectionately call Saint Anthony the ‘Matchmaker Saint’ and today is a holiday in Lisbon dedicated to him. I had only seen the procession once and today decided to go again. The streets were packed with people – locals and turists. Loads of traditional “mangericos” (a green plant that smells really nice) decorated with a paper flower and a poem, for sale on the streets. The windows and balconies overlooking the streets were the procession passes by are decorated with vintage bedspreads and the locals throw flower petals to the passing Saint. Very old traditions. Good to see them alive.