2026-06-20 Waterfalls of São João

During São João, locals build intricate, miniature three-dimensional village dioramas called Cascatas. They are similar to Christmas nativity scenes but are dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and celebrate traditional Northern Portuguese village life. The image above is someone's interpretation of the Chapel of Souls which is across from our apartment, and the surrounding figures are the sights around the neighborhood.

They are called "cascatas" or "waterfalls" because they historically featured real or simulated running water trickling down stepped, terraced hillsides made of moss, cork, and stone. 

In and amongst the scenes, is João the 'Cagão' - the pooper, which is a favorite 'hidden' statue in every cascatas. According to the locals, he acts as a humorous subject, injecting playful, down-to-earth everyday reality into an otherwise religious and traditional display.  He is, indeed, in one of these shots.  Can you find him?

Here are JR and our new friend Jennifer creating their vision of what is in the neighborhood for the local cascatas. Jennifer worked on flowerpots and flowers.

There are a number of cat colonies, so that was my contribution as JR made one of the beloved women who is in the neighborhood but is blind and needs to depend on the kindness of others for coins.

2026-06-19 In Our Backyard

As we have mentioned, the Duoro River is not far from our apartment. This shot is the Duoro from the Jardim do Morro on the Gaia side.  The image looks back to the city of Porto and down the river toward the Atlantic. If the weather agrees, the garden is packed every sunset with people of all ages enjoying the sun's show, sharing some vinho and comida, and reveling in the musical talents of unknown artists from all over Portugal.

Walking 20 minutes from our apartment will provide untold numbers of opportunities. This day, the music schools had several groups out entertaining.  Yes, they are wearing wool.  No it was not cold. Yes, they wear these every day to school, even in the heat.

 

2026-06-14 I love a Parade

This woman was the epitome of joy, happiness and the celebration of her culture. Her spirit is infectious.

The highlight of these groups during the festivities is the "Arruada de Ranchos" (Traditional Folk Parade), an official event in the municipal program where different groups parade through the city center wearing traditional costumes, singing challenges, and playing instruments such as concertinas and cavaquinhos (small Portuguese guitars). It culminates at the City Hall.

Of course, some of the groups go right down our street.

It was so fun to partake in this celebration of Portuguese culture and history.

JR stalking opportunities for crowd shots to use as resource material.

So colorful. community members of all ages participate in these events.

2026-06-03 Just a Walk in (another) Park

Stacey and new friend Niki get to explore the city on a rainy Sunday looking for places in parks that might be suitable for a yoga morning as Niki is a PT and has Yoga training. This day they went to Parque da Cidade do Porto (Porto City Park). This is the largest urban park in Portugal, stretching across 205 acres (83 hectares).

Sometimes colors align in nature and art.

As is always the case, there are hidden and not so hidden pieces of street art.

Nikki for scale of the absolutely beautiful and incredibly large hydrangea. 

This park has many levels, and you can walk without seeing any other humans for quite some time.  It's simply stunning.

 Although the day started out a little rainy, the rain soon dissipated and they spent a few hours getting lost and then finding somewhere to have a tasty coffee and pastry.

2026-06-02 Abandoned Silo

 

This is an appreciation of an abandoned building post.  

This building is opposite the train station for Sete Bica, which is the stop for one of the shopping centers north of town aptly named, Norte Shopping Center. The EFEANOR is the ruined remnants of one of the largest and most influential textile manufacturing hubs in northern Portugal.

This building has been abandoned for decades and was bought by the city of Matosinhos to eventually be converted for housing, schools, and the NorteShopping shopping center.  However, that has not happened, but the central building and its tower remain standing as industrial ruins.

The growth of flora and the remaining window panes make this a very interesting juxtaposition of life and abandondment.

2026-05-31 There's always a Parade

The view from our balcony is quite stunning even at night.

During the day, you never know when a parade might pass by.  On May 31, 2026, a traditional candlelit religious procession known as the Procissão da Luz (Procession of Light) took place in Baixa do Porto (downtown Porto). As we are coming to find out, most parades/memorials/protests pass down our street, but going the opposite direction.

Procissão da Luz is one of Porto's most visually stunning religious traditions. Organised annually by local parishes and the Diocese do Porto, it honors Our Lady of Fatima and marks the conclusion of May.

The event is designed to give visible form to Porto’s long-standing title as the "City of the Virgin".

It was stunningly beautiful.