Mesinha de S. Sebastião de Dornelas | Little Table of St. Sebastian of Dornelas - Portuguese Catholic Traditions, Feasts & Devotions
In January, one of the oldest traditions in the Municipality of Boticas takes place—the festivities in honour of Saint Sebastian, known as the "Mesinha de São Sebastião" (Little Table of Saint Sebastian), also called "Festa das Papas" (Porridge Feast), the saint protector against war, famine, and plague. The origins of this particular celebration are lost to time, but folk memory recalls that during the Napoleonic invasions (Peninsular War, 1807-1814), the folk of the village of Vila Grande saw soldiers passing along a road near the hamlets of Couto de Dornelas (old name of the parish). Knowing that these troops plundered everything in their path, the villagers prayed for divine protection. They took the image of Saint Sebastian, carried it into the street, placed it in the church tower, and vowed to hold a feast in his honour every year if the troops did not reach their villages. Miraculously, the soldiers moved on, sparing the villages, and true to their promise, the folk began a tradition that has continued for over 200 years.
Due to the scale of the event, preparations begin well in advance. Around Christmas, the "mordomo" (steward) visit homes across the parish of Dornelas to collect cereals (rye and maize) used to bake a type of bread called "broas". In January, they gather additional donations—primarily pork (usually shoulder and jowls) and money to buy rice. Additionally, firewood is also collected and preserved to cook the food. On the night of the 19th, at midnight, a fire is lit in the fireplace of the “Casa do Santo” (House of the Saint), where over 20 iron pots filled with chunks of pork are placed to cook. The building also has a large oven and a room to store hundreds of broas, which, over about five days and nights, they are baked for distribution or sale during the festivities.
On the 20th, as soon as the church bell rings for Mass, rice pots are added to the fire, and the Eucharistic celebrations begin. After Mass, the steward carries the image of Saint Sebastian along the table, allowing pilgrims to kiss the saint and offer donations. The procession with the saint proceeds in direction to the Casa do Santo where the priest blesses the bread, meat, and rice. Only then does the communal meal begin, with the food being served at a table (thus the name, mesinha) stretching hundreds of metres along the village's main street. The meal includes the homemade broa, rice, a piece of pork, and several other traditional foods. It is said that, by being blessed, the food possesses healing properties. The broas, in particular, are believed to resist mould for a long time. Such are the benefits attributed to this food that many people take portions, or even whole broas, home to eat or to feed their animals, ensuring they remain free from ailments.
