Documentary deals with the cultural and popular heritage of São Brás de Alportel

The documentary “Há Espiga?!” deals with the cultural and popular heritage of Mealhas, in São Brás de Alportel , and was experienced by people “from 3 to 81 years old”, providing “various points of view between different generations”.

The premiere is scheduled for May 28th, at 9pm, at the Mealhas Kindergarten. The official premiere will take place at the Costume Museum, on June 4th, at 6:30pm. Both screenings are free and will include an open discussion at the end.

Espiga is a traditional festival that takes place on Ascension Thursday. According to the statement, the festival is a symbol of the resistance of the school community, local authorities and residents.

“It started out as a private event, held in a tavern in Mealhas, which closed when the owners could no longer afford it. The tradition was later revived by the school, which is now held in the Mealhas Kindergarten. It is an intergenerational celebration involving children, teachers, assistants, parents, neighbours and grandparents,” he explains.

The documentary was made by Ana Beatriz Bernardo de Jesus, as part of the project: “I went after it”, organized by Barro I Cal – Community, Cultural and Artistic Association.

The Municipal Council of São Brás de Alportel, the Parish Council and IPDJ – Portuguese Institute of Youth and Sports – contributed to the financing of the project, supported by the José Belchior Viegas School Group, the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of São Brás de Alportel, the Costume Museum and Monte da Ribeira – Agrotourism.