Good Friday in Fall River

The annual Romeiros procession, a centuries-old Azorean tradition, passed by my house today, April 10, 2009, as it does every year on Good Friday.

"The tradition began in the 15th century when volcanic activity rocked the island of Sao Miguel. Men on the island, the Romeiros, covered themselves with shawls and kerchiefs and marched with walking staffs and rosary beads from village church to village church, praying and singing. Villagers along the way fed and housed the marchers. The tradition came to Fall River in the late 1980s. It was reserved for men, but now includes the female faithful too.

The modern-day Romeiros, which number in the hundreds, can be heard chanting in unison as they walk through Fall River streets [every year at Good Friday]. In following tradition, they dress in shawls and some as the Knights of Templar, and carry sticks in their hands as they march in commemoration of the 400-year-old pilgrimage."

Quoted material from http://www.wickedlocal.com/fall-river/news/lifestyle/celebrations/x1564565631

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Travel & Events

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• Good Friday
• Azorean tradition