Tomar Festival of the Trays

Tomar Festival of the Trays, "Festa dos Tabuleiros", also known as Festival of the Holy Spirit, "Festa do Divino Espírito Santo", is held in Tomar every four years. This Festival can be traced back to the 16th century in a five day Fair. When the Festival of the Trays starts the most colourful and original decorated street of Tomar receives an award. The streets are decorated with paper roses and there is music as well.It is a unique event with a procession where young women carry on her head a tray with 30 loaves. Traditionally in the procession the women dress in white whereas the men dresses a white shirt, a red tie and black trousers. The last Festival of the Trays was in July 2007. The next festival is expected to be held in July 2011.