Faith beads

The rosary business in Fátima goes back to the 20's of the 20th century. Although some part of this activity has preserved a handmade dimension, nowadays the most successful rosary-making company in Portugal, Farportugal sells mostly to the foreign markets, producing 1 million rosaries every year. Even scented rosaries.

The rosary business in Fátima goes back to the 20's of the 20th century. Although some part of this activity has preserved a handmade dimension, nowadays the most successful rosary-making company in Portugal, Farportugal, based in Sobral village, sells mostly to the foreign markets, producing 1 million rosaries every year. Even scented rosaries.

In the past the rosaries were a common occupation of many households in Fátima. They were handmade, the beads were in glass, connected by silver wire. In the 70's, Valentim Henriques, among other business partners, founded SIFAR, an industrial society of religious items, that would become Farportugal, Portugal's factory of religious articles.

The rosaries are definitely the main core of the company's activity. It is actually the company with the greatest variety of rosaries in the world, representing 40% of the business. Apart from the rosaries, the company also produces images of Our Lady of Fátima, available in 11 sizes, as well as glass ceramics.

Religious images are made in recyclable plastic from iron moulds produced in Marinha Grande. However, finishing and painting are completely handmade, so that each piece can be unique.

Handmade rosaries

Along the decades, rosaries were the breadwinner of many families in Fátima. They were made with the most creative materials: carob seeds, silk thread knots and olive pits! A deep-rooted tradition that, despite the evolution of production techniques, has remained alive, mainly among senior citizens.

For example, Lady Maria de Jesus Trindade, born in the village of Outeiro das Matas, is still a stronghold of the past, making handmade rosaries with chained wire. A matter of devotion that so clearly defines the spirit of the place.

Handmade rosaries

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