Bairro Norte in Póvoa de Varzim is appealing to poveira women to resume wearing the classic merino scarf, also known as "Chinese scarf" or cachené, during the Procession of Saint Joseph taking place this Sunday. The local association intends to restore color, identity, and memory to the religious procession.
The tradition of these scarves dates back to the late 19th century and continued until the mid-20th century, being a habitual presence in the Sunday attire of fishmongers, in the work attire of "banheiras," and in the festive attire of tricanas during poveira pilgrimages.
The appeal also extends to residents, who are invited to decorate balconies and windows with these colorful cachenés, creating a visual environment that welcomes the shrine of Saint Joseph and values the community's historical connection to the patron saint.
The Procession of Saint Joseph was resumed in 2014 after an interregnum of more than six decades, once again uniting devotion and local identity, with Bairro Norte taking an active role in preserving the practices that marked generations in Póvoa de Varzim.
