Maria João Vasconcelos, 37 years old, accepted for the second time the challenge of leading the Festivities Committee in Honor of Our Lady of Bonança. Last year, she took on the presidency as a tribute to her grandfather, who had also organized the festival and died two years earlier. This year, it was her cousin who challenged her to continue, keeping alive a family tradition that spans generations.
Maria's connection to Nossa Senhora da Bonança is closely tied to her family's own history, which is largely dedicated to fishing. "I truly have a great devotion to Nossa Senhora da Bonança because she is the protector of men at sea," she explained. In this year's naval procession, Maria's sister helped carry one of the portable shrines, which she considered to be "a pride to see the family united in one of the most important moments for the fishing community."
This year, the committee also decided to invite Nossa Senhora d'Agonia, from Caminha, to join Nossa Senhora da Bonança and Nossa Senhora da Ínsua, creating a connection between two fishing communities. Maria revealed that she would like to see the tradition extended to the next generation, anticipating that "perhaps my niece will be as devoted as we are and will organize the festival like us."
Organizing the festivities does, however, present significant challenges. Maria admitted that it is "very difficult" due to rising costs and the pressure that comes when "for a simple mistake, people point fingers." Despite the strain, she assures that the festival continues to be "very special" and that the effort is worth it when she sees her family and the community united around this tradition.
