On The Go
Quick picks and previews, taken with the phone or processed with the phone, usually while travelling but also random moments from everyday routine.
About this last weekend, there’s only one thing to talk about: workshop with the talented Gustavo Minas. Literally two very full days, of learning, sharing, taking photos and, of course, with some beers in between.Now it’s time to take a deep breath and let the dust settle.
Spring gives way to Winter…
Feels good to get to my commute snaps after a trip, even if a rather short one. Somehow is the reminder I’m back to the routine, a good one.
The first weeks of the year are always a time for retreat for me, a time to lay low and look ahead. Last week was just that, after the rush of the end of year, with festivities and travels, eagerly waiting to slow down, so much that even the desire to go out and take photos was put on hold. The exception is when you get a nice view from the window. #beirabaixa #portugal
In a territory that gets emptier each year, where traditions slowly dwindle, every one of those that still thrives, or is even recovered by people that are not willing to give up yet, feels like a sign a hope that not all is lost. Really happy to finally see this red mask back to the streets of Vale de Porco, hoping to be able to see it again and again in the upcoming years. #wintersolstice #velhodevaledeporco #trasosmontes #portugal
One of the most beautiful masks of the winter traditions of Trás-Os-Montes is also one of the most challenging to photograph.. The single masked figure is constantly running from door to door, with very few breaks, and always surrounded by men who guide him through the streets, because of the very limited visibility of the heavy mask. Except when there’s something in the costume that needs some urgent repair. #wintersolstice #chocalheirodebemposta #trasosmontes #portugal
The fog that has been the norm throughout Trás-Os-Montes this end of year. #trasosmontes #portugal
Someone once told me at Constantim that the problem isn’t finding people to dance at each front door of the village, is having someone that actually opens the door… All these Winter Solstice rituals are very different but have one thing in common, at least here in Portugal, there’s always one or more characters that go to each house, where who lives there welcomes them (and their entourage) and celebrate together. If those doors remain shut, which is more and more common, then all this becomes just another parade.
Galhofa. Wrestling on top of straw in the barns of Trás-Os-Montes, where showing one’s strength goes hand in hand with local rivalries. Because not everything related with winter solstice has to do with masks.
Yesterday, when I wrote about masks becoming less important to me as I go more often to these masked traditions, this is a bit why: the joy of celebration, the sharing of an identity, those were subtle things I was referring to. The kind of things that actually drive me more to go there than just the mistery of the masks and costumes. Not on purpose, but today the photo I picked from today’s visit to Grijó de Parada was more in tune to that.
