Jul.
23/09

Portugal: Wine, Port and Giant Puppets

I’m still running on fumes from my whirlwind four-day tour of the Douro region of Portugal this past weekend. I toured vineyards and wineries, tasted loads of port and wine, and attended the Revidouro, an every-other-year festival that celebrates the wine and agriculture of the region, centered around the town of Alijo, about 85 miles due east of Porto.

The Revidouro was the Portuguese version of a state fair, celebrating the local agricultural bounty with booths, displays, food, live bands, and a parade, though there were no tractor pulls in sight.

Portugal Puppets

There was, however, wine. Lots of it. In between sips, one of the festival’s highlights was the battle of drum corps where two squads of drummers squared off against each other. Even the hardiest-looking bystanders had their hands over their ears.

But for me, the best part were the twice-lifesize puppet dancers that sashayed and shimmied around, taunting the audience while the drummers flailed away on their drums, sweat pouring down their faces.

If the puppeteer noticed you paying attention, he’d come over and twirl dangerously close so that the puppet’s arms would rise up and have a good chance at smacking you in the head. Of course, hands and heads are made of papier-mache, but that didn’t stop people from flinching when the hand came straight for them.

I’ve always been a fan of visiting local fairs and festivals when you’re traveling, and the chance to see this kind of thing up close just underscores my conviction.

Of course, the free wine generously poured at each of the 24 winery booths didn’t hurt either.