Festa dos Tabuleiros

If you’re planning on visiting Portugal in July this summer you won’t want to miss the Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays). This event takes place every four years and happens again starting July 4^th 2015 and running through July 13^th in Tomar, Portugal. This ancient tradition features the local population in a parade with the women carrying tabuleiros on their heads. The tabuleiro is made of 30 stacked pieces of bread decorated with flowers. At the top of the tabuleiro there’s a crown that features either a white dove, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit or the esfera armilar,or a celestial sphere, which symbolizes the historical Portuguese maritime expansion.

The city of Tomar is located in one of the most fertile regions on the entire Iberian Peninsula. There is an abundance of olive and fig trees in the area. If you enjoy seeing examples of ancient architecture, the city of Tomar will not disappoint. The Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ and the Aqueduct of Pegoes are a must see.