Festa season

 

  Journey's within and without, a vast land mass covered, has brought me back to the wonderful mountains of Serra de Açor, my home.

  This summer the cool breezes sweep the hills, and valleys', predicted rainfall during the next few days, will bring restbite to the land and all the animals that dwell here.

 Malhada Festa is upon us as we welcome in the people from the cities whom families have lived and worked here in this very village, years ago.

 The convivio, local community space, is open, people gather, children reunite as do old faces.
Preparations for the decoration are being organised, bunting to be put up in the streets, traditional Portuguese music is played in the square.

Each year i learn more of the language as i talk with people. Usually i speak with the locals, about the weather, the garden, and various daily tasks. When the city people arrive my Portuguese seems unimpressive and i get things all the wrong way round. My son on the other hand, is pretty much fluent, and i owe that to the neighbours and his youth and ability to learn more.

  I will be preparing to cook in the local fire oven, a traditional meal called, Chanfana, which is a rich old goat stew, using the meat from our very own goat herd that we prepare. Alongside the day of cooking i will bake as many loaves of bread to give to the community as my donation to the festivities and celebrations.

  Still though, in our farmstead, there is much to do. Daily chores of harvesting the corn, shucking it to prepare to freeze and store for winter. Making jars and jars of jams and chutneys also to put in our cellar pantry.

  If you are in the area, stop by for the 9th, 10th nd 11th August and enjoy a traditional festive celebration of Portuguese life.