Jewish and Christian Easter Festival – Festa das Páscoas Judaica e Cristã, Medelim, Idanha-a-Nova
We visited our local village of Medelim last weekend to attend the Jewish and Christian Easter Festival – Festa das Páscoas Judaica e Cristã. The history of the Portuguese villages that surround us never cease to amaze. There is so much to discover and learn. Luckily there seems to be a different festa every weekend which delves deep into Portuguese history, There is always a good reason to celebrate the region’s different culture’s and influences.
Medelim’s festival was a whole weekend full of historical recreations, Sephardic and medieval music, a Judeo-Christian pedestrian promenade and of course food was involved with the best kosher and regional gastronomy that the area has to offer.
The music was pretty phenomenal too. A traditional Sephardic band busked their way through the streets to enetertain all. Their music was a strange mixture of bagpipes, drums and lute. The band also played whilst the crowds were entertained with templar knights swordfighting reinactments and dramatic offerings. The boys were transfixed, especilly Chaos who has always been fascinated by tales of knights, castles and dragons.
The village also opened its doors to a surprising array of restored houses and museums. The most fascinating of which was the Jewish house, on
The festival lasted all weekend and whilst we didn’t stop too long, we all had a great time. The village is well worth a day trip as Medelim is also known as the village of balconies. It has over 200. For a small village this is pretty impressive! The balconies were formed due to an exterior staircase, built from huge slabs of local granite, to give access to the upper floor of the house. Under the stairs is a small area for animals, where chickens were traditionally kept. You can follow the short walking route of the balconies around the village to discover and explore these beautiful archetectural features.
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How fascinating that the two faiths would hold a joint festival. Then again with Easter and passover happening at the same time I guess it makes sense. I’d love to know what shephardic music is like. Very different to klezma I imagine. #mysundayphoto
There was Klezma music too, the festa had some amazing music. Lots of bagpipes, drums and an almost medieval sound. One of the best groups that we have seen performing recently at festas.
Sounds like a wonderful festival of everyone coming together and enjoying themselves.
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The Portuguese really do love a good Festa! Thank you for hosting.
An amazing culturally diverse event. I love the look of the village street.
It is such a picturesque little village, a great place to spend the afternoon exploring.
That’s really interesting that they celebrate together. Some lovely photos too!
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It is a really interesting mix of cultures. Thank you Karen
Some beautiful shots here. The traditional costumes and pipes are very reminiscent of what you would see round these parts in Asturias.
We walked through the Asturias whilst on the Camino Norte and saw some very similar traiditional costumes. Very surprising that the bagpipes are so popular in Spain and Portugal!
It’s so lovely how the celebrate together and they seem to be so proud of their traditions and do it with such gusto!
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They really are very proud of their traditions. It’s great to be a part of the local festas.
That sounds amazing. Lovely that you could be part of it. Fab photos, I love the B&W ones.
It is great to join in with all of the local fiestas. The b & W are my favourite too!
I love that these ancient traditions and festivals are still carried on. That last cheeky photo of your little one is very sweet as well! 🙂 #sundayphoto
It really is great to see traditions kept alive isn’t it! He really is the cheekiest boy too.