The evening sky glows peach and lavender above the Rio Mondego. The bridge is lined with people holding candles, as are all the streets leading from Convento de Santa Clara to the Mosteiro de Santa Cruz. Tonight, Saint Isabel will make the journey across the river, watched over by her devoted disciples as they believe she watches over Portugal’s ancient capital. I am wary of crowds, so I take up a perch on what must be a utility box in Parque Verde do Rio Mondego. I sit with my notebook and watch the pilgrims move through the dusk towards the procession. Families, lovers, friends—the majority dressed in white —all excitedly talking and taking photographs as the brilliant peach evening gives way to the expanding lavender and smoky blue.
Of Saints and Roses
Of Saints and Roses
Of Saints and Roses
The evening sky glows peach and lavender above the Rio Mondego. The bridge is lined with people holding candles, as are all the streets leading from Convento de Santa Clara to the Mosteiro de Santa Cruz. Tonight, Saint Isabel will make the journey across the river, watched over by her devoted disciples as they believe she watches over Portugal’s ancient capital. I am wary of crowds, so I take up a perch on what must be a utility box in Parque Verde do Rio Mondego. I sit with my notebook and watch the pilgrims move through the dusk towards the procession. Families, lovers, friends—the majority dressed in white —all excitedly talking and taking photographs as the brilliant peach evening gives way to the expanding lavender and smoky blue.