Desfile da Mordomia

Many days before the festivites in honour of “Senhora da Agonia”, women prepare their outfits before taking to the streets to celebrate the history and traditions of the women of Viana do Castelo. More than 500 women take part in the Mordomia Parade, wearing traditional costumes and displaying the region’s “chieira” — a sense of pride.

The parade celebrates the history of local dress, from working women and fish sellers to the more formal costumes worn by the women of Viana do Castelo.

Many of the gold pieces are unique and are only shown in public on this day, making the parade a special celebration of local heritage.

Procissão ao Mar

On August 20, the Day of “Senhoa da Agonia” (our Lady of Agony), one of the main traditions of the Romaria takes place – the procession over the sea. It reflects the long-standing devotion of local fishermen to their patron saint, whom they ask for protection and thank by fulfilling their promises.

During the processiom, men in traditional checked shirts carry the 600-kilogram floats on their shoulders to the quay, accompanied by women.

The boats are then blessed before carrying the images of Our Lady of Agony, Our Lady of Monserrate, Our Lady of the Seas and Saint Peter along the Lima River and out to sea. Thousands of people line the riverbanks to watch and applaud the procession.

More than 100 decorated fishing and leisure boats take part. When the procession returns to the quay, it is welcomed by the salt carpets made in the streets the night before.

Procissão Solene

The city falls silent for the most religious moment of the Romaria d’Agonia, marked by devotion and respect.

It is traditional for residents to decorate their balconies with bedspreads and throw flowers from their windows as the procession passes.

The images of Our Lady of the Seas, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our Lady of Monserrate and Our Lord of the Afflicted, from São Domingos Church, join the float of Our Lady of Agony, which awaits them at the sanctuary.

Carried through the streets by men, the floats are accompanied by more than 100 participants representing scenes from the Bible.

Thousands of people watch in silence. Around the sanctuary, they applaud and throw flowers as the image of Our Lady of Agony returns to the sanctuary, facing the Ribeira.

Cortejo Etnográfico

The traditional Historical-Ethnographic Parade of the Romaria d’Agonia brings together more than 3,000 participants in around 100 scenes and dozens of floats, showcasing the history and traditions of Viana do Castelo.

The parade began in 1908 as the “Agricultural Parade” and still serves the same purpose today: giving the parishes of the municipality an opportunity to present their traditions to the city and its thousands of visitors.

Traditional costumes, gold jewellery, folk music, drums and decorated floats create a celebration of Minho culture. The parade also involves the audience, with traditions such as competing for a bowl of wine or a piece of cornbread, and calling for the newlyweds in the procession to share a kiss.

Gigantones e Cabeçudos

At noon, the sound of twelve cannon shots mixes with the beat of drums as thousands of people gather around Praça da República in Viana do Castelo for the traditional “Giants and Bigheads” parade.

The century-old Romaria d’Agonia tradition features groups of drummers and Zés Pereiras performing alongside the Gigantones and Cabeçudos. Made by hand from papier-mâché and painted by hand, the figures can reach four metres in height and weigh up to 30 kilos.

More than 200 drummers and around 20 figures gather around the fountain for a short performance. The event ends with a musical challenge between the drummers and bagpipers, accompanied by an enthusiastic crowd.