Algarve event photography: Easter / Festa das Tochas Floridas in São Brás de Alportel
The biggest event of the year in São Brás de Alportel is Easter (“Pascoa” in Portuguese) and its famous Festa das Tochas Floridas parade along the way to the Igreja Martiz. People all over the Algarve flock to São Brás de Alportel to see this traditional, colourful parade of worship, flowers and singing.
Festa das Tochas Floridas
This year we had great weather, and the local volunteers started early to adorn the village with flowers. At 11:00, the church bells started ringing and initiated the Resurrection Procession. Men carry beautifully torches of flowers along the route to the Igreja Matriz. Throughout the procession, the men sing a chorus of “Ressuscitou como disse! Aleluia! Aleluia! Aleluia!”, which means “Risen, as he said. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”.
Photographing Festa das Tochas Floridas
The Festa das Tochas Floridas gets very busy, so as other popular events it is hard to make focused images with all the crowds. A lot of moving people, abundant colours, sounds and other people trying to photograph the event. My approach was again to us a 200mm telelens which narrows down the field of view and focus. Although you get less of the surrounding atmosphere in the image, it does ‘focus’ the image more on the actual subject. Though I did miss some ‘wider’ shots this way, but it is a comprise I am more to willing to make. Also try to get there early to secure a photogenic spot!
More information on photography of the Festa das Tochas Floridas
Interested in photographing the Festa das Tochas Floridas? Visit the website of the community of São Brás de Alportel.
Are you interested in doing a photo shoot in the Algarve area anytime soon? Don’t hesitate to contact me!