Festa dos Tabuleiros, Tomar

During the first two weeks of July, girls parade around the streets of  Tomar with piles of bread on their heads as part of the ancient Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays). Also known as Festa do Divino Espirito Santo (Feast of the Holy Spirit), the event is Tomar’s biggest and most  spectacular procession. However, it only takes place every four years.  People walk in pairs with the girls wearing tabuleiros; these  are headdresses made from bread stacked in rows, festooned with flowers  and topped with a crown and dove or celestial sphere.