Praça d'Albuquerque, Villa Franca de Xira

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❖Praça d'Albuquerque, V. Franca de Xira, Portugal, 2017[open in full screen]

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This panorama was taken half hour before start of the most important event in the existence of this heritage, ribatejo town – Vila Franca de Xira. Event is 75 aniversary of the world famous "colete encarnado" with the main attraction being lagada – bull running and of course more human portuguese variation of bullfithing, without killing of the bull.

On this praça hundreds of horses, riders, bulls that will run in couple of hours, breeders, matadors and thousands of observers, many of them dressed in traditional costumes, are gathering to start the parade through the town. In today's global world it is quite surprising to wittness the event completely turned towards local population. Similar event in Pamplona, Spain almost lost all of its caracteristics with participation of thousands of foreigners.

In Vila Franca de Xira there were no tourists, event is not advertised at all, no brochures on any other language than Portuguese. it was really by accident that we found out about this day. Main city praça was perfect host. For this ocasion it was covered with carpet for the safety of bulls and horses.

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❖..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m..❖
more about evaluation method		more about types of squares
sociability	10	ceremonial	x
uses & activities	8	religious	x
access & linkages	9	social	x
comfort	9	residential	x
image	9	court yard	x
tourist value	9	with park	x
total	54	street, shopping	x