The Aldeia do Xisto of Benfeita is once again fulfilling its tradition and, on the 7 May, is hosting a Peace Festival, and will sound its bells 1620 times to recall the end of World War II. This represents one stroke for each of the days that Portugal’s status of neutrality in the conflict lasted.
The Peace Tower, once known as the “Salazar Tower”, forms the centrepiece of the celebrations. This construction was begun in 1944, at the initiative of Mário Mathias, a jurist from Benfeita, and was finished in the first months of 1945.
The story goes that Benfeita was one of the first places in the country to know that World War II had come to an end. It was 7 May 1945 when the good news arrived, through the voice of an employee of an English company, married to an inhabitant of the village, and this gave Benfeita a reason to celebrate and to try out its newly placed bell. It was 2pm when the sound of the bells rang out.
The act has become a unique tradition and since then, every year on 7 May, the Peace Tower bell tolls 1620 bells, celebrating peace.
The Peace Festival begins on 6 May with a concert by Hélder Bruno. The pianist, composer and musicologist will present the suite “The serene and tender Presence”. The show is scheduled for 5pm.
At the end of the concert, the public all have the opportunity to taste the “Flavours of Benfeita”, being offered a snack containing the best local products.
PROGRAMME
6 May
5pm - Concert by Hélder Bruno
6pm - Snack with local products
7 May
2pm - 1620 church bell rings
Come and celebrate peace and take the opportunity to get to know the village and the surrounding region. Lose yourself in the Protected Scenery of Serra do Açor and the charming Mata da Margaraça and experience the beauty and freshness of Fraga da Pena.
Make your reservation at Bookinxisto.com.
