Blessed sheep flocks

The blessing of the sheep flocks is one of the most colourful traditions of the Mountain Villages, in Serra da Estrela. Men and their sheep flocks walk a long way to the Chapel of St. john the Baptist located in the welcoming village of Folgosa da Madalena, in order to bless the flocks. It's St. John's feast!

The blessing of the sheep flocks is one of the most colourful traditions of the Mountain Villages, in Serra da Estrela. Shepherds and their sheep flocks walk a long way to the Chapel of St. John, The Baptist located in the welcoming village of Folgosa da Madalena, 6 km away from Seia, in order to bless the flocks. It's St. John's feast!

As they arrive at Chapel in Folgosa da Madalena they make six turns around the chapel to the right and then to the left side. The most successful sheep flock will be the one that the last sheep reach the first ones, closing a perfect circle around the Chapel of St. John, The Baptist.

They will ask the Patron Saint for protection for their sheep, good pastures, health and abundance. Each shepherd will bring their best sheep as a symbol of vitality, beauty and health.

It's St. John's Feast and there is a sense of hope in the air! Better days will surely come!

This year's edition of the blessing of the sheep flocks will be held on June 26th.