Hundreds Embrace the Olympic Spirit and Parade Paper Traditions in Foz

In the spirit of friendly competition, with the true Olympic spirit in their hearts, hundreds of people paraded through the streets of Foz do Douro, keeping alive the tradition of the Paper Costume Parade in honour of Saint Bartholomew. Under the theme 'The Olympic Games and the Cities of Our Medals', everyone had their eyes on the same goal: the 'holy bath' in the waters of Ourigo Beach.

The colours of the city of Paris were worn by participants from the Union of Civil Parishes of Aldoar, Foz do Douro, and Nevogilde, while Desportivo Operário Fonte da Moura represented the London team, also paying tribute to Portuguese athletes Fernando Pimenta and Emanuel Silva.

The costumes of Rio de Janeiro were paraded by the Aldoar Neighbourhood Association, and the Pasteleira Neighbourhood Association brought the colours of Eastern cities to the parade. Ancient Greece and the city of Athens were the inspiration for the participation of Órfeão da Foz do Douro.

This year, the parade marking the devotion to Saint Bartholomew featured a special standard-bearer: Olympic champion Rosa Mota.

The tradition refers to an ancient practice of worshipping the regenerative power of water and the holy bath. Stuttering, nervous disorders, demonic possessions, and skin ailments are all eliminated in the 'bath that counts as seven'.

It is worth noting that the Union of Civil Parishes of Aldoar, Foz do Douro, and Nevogilde has been preparing a nomination for the Paper Costume Parade to become Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, in collaboration with the Spanish municipalities of Mollerusa, Amposta, and Güeñes, which have similar traditions.

This year, the celebration of Saint Bartholomew includes an exhibition of paper dresses from Mollerussa and Amposta, which can be visited until 1 September at the Fort of Saint John the Baptist.