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Viana do Castelo is a municipality and seat in the Norte Region of Portugal. The urbanized area of the municipality, comprising the city, has a population of approximately 36,148 inhabitants, while the municipality includes 91238 residents.

In August, the incomparable and magnificent festivals of Our Lady of Agony (Senhora da Agonia). The procession to the sea and the streets of Riverside, decorated with floral carpets, are testimonies to the profound religious devotion. Ethnography has his space in the parade of parades and Ethnographic Costume Party, where you can admire the ancient costumes of the bride, butler and peasant, dresses with beautiful Minho bearing breasts full of authentic works of art in gold

Our Lady of Agony Festivities, the biggest traditional festival in Portugal. Its essential feature is the devotion of the people of the sea, which give back the graces received during storms or shipwrecks

Here, over 300 girls and ladies parade with their red costumes - the ones that are single - and black suits - the widows or already spoken for -, showing off their beauty and richness, dressed up to emphasize their gold jewelry. It was calculated that in this year’s (2013) parade, over 14.000.000 euros worth of gold, wore displayed around the neck of these women.

The folklore festival and the “concertinas” ensure the musical entertainment. A journey through the history is held in the historical / Ethnographical parade and the Costume Festival of the “Vianesa” dressage, is held in the Castle of Santiago da Barra.

Romaria da Senhora D'agonia, Our Lady of Agony Festivities, the biggest traditional festival in Portugal. It is considered the Pilgrimage of Pilgrimages. The cult of Our Lady of Agony dates from the eighteenth century, the first written reference to this event dating from 1744. Its essential feature is the devotion of the people of the sea, who reciprocate favors received during storms or shipwrecks. Hence, the main palanquin was traditionally carried by fishermen, and only after 1968 the celebration has included a fluvial procession, with the image of the saint, by the river Lima. The number of visitors has been increasing significantly in recent years. To respond to this issue, the promoters of the festivities have sought to enlarge its scope by including an ethnographic parade, alluding to the various municipalities in the district, and a costume festival. In addition to all these events, the fireworks displayed by the River Lima are a unique show.

Text and pictures: InternetCopyrights of the photos belong to each photographer

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Amália Rodrigues - Avé Maria fadista; Foi Deus