Feiras Novas kicked off in Ponte de Lima with hundreds of concertinas making themselves heard throughout the historic center of the town. Players from various points in the region took to the streets to liven up the opening of the pilgrimage, attracting a multitude that followed the rhythm and danced the vira.
The energy of the public infected those playing, in a constant back-and-forth between spectators and performers. One of the participants stated that the event was "otherworldly", emphasizing that only in Ponte de Lima can so many concertina players be brought together.
The official lighting opening sealed the start of the party, with the streets promising to extend into the night. The event, organized by Semanário Alto Minho, marks the beginning of another edition of the traditional Feiras Novas.
