For the residents of Velha, Santachem Pursao is more than a procession; it is a moment of reunion, as over 1,000 people come together at St Andrew’s Church to celebrate a shared tradition.The annual event, also known as the procession of saints, sees 31 wooden figures carried through the village, drawing participation not just from locals but also from families returning home for the occasion.REFLECTING A MORE INCLUSIVE SPIRITMarcus Fernandes travelled from the UK with his family so they could experience it for the first time. “My father used to attend the procession as a child and even carried the palanquin. After moving to the UK, he couldn’t come back for it. He really wanted to see it again,” says Marcus. Long-time resident Anthony Fernandes says the event has evolved over the years, reflecting a more inclusive spirit. “Earlier, only locals would carry the palanquin. Now, people from neighbouring villages also take part,” he shares.BEHIND THE SCENESThe procession is the result of months of preparation and the efforts of families who have kept the tradition alive across generations. The Mendes family has been preparing the 31 figures for decades. “We’ve been doing this for four generations, maybe more,” says Alfred Mendes. Work begins nearly 15 to 20 days in advance, with each figure carefully assembled and dressed. After the procession, they are dismantled and stored for the next year.
