Império do Divino Espirito Santo Beira - Lado da Ribeira

The impérios [Small Temples] are buildings aimed for the exhibition of elements of the Holy Spirit’s cult, namely the crown, the banner and the staffs.

This location belongs to the parish of Velas and, despite its small size, it has two impérios (small temples) dedicated to the divine Holy Spirit. In both small temples, the festivities are similar, culminating in the weekend of the Holy Spirit and Trinity. The festivity begins on the Tuesday or Wednesday before the weekend of the Holy Spirit and Trinity, the day in which the obras“works” are cooked, a greatly sized ring-shaped pastry and two bread loafs. On Saturday, the decoration of, usually, two or three ox carts by the mordomos is emphasized. The carts are decorated with beech and pau-branco and in its front, a doll may be placed. At the end of the day, these carts, pulled by oxen, walk through Beira, stopping at the imperator’s house and visiting the other all império (small temple). In the copeira, which is opened during the entire Saturday, Portuguese sweet bread, wine and cheese is served. On the Sunday, around the mass’s time, the parade leaves towards the church, followed by a mass and coronation. This parade, besides the insignia of the Holy Spirit, also includes the knight, the assistants and the revellers, together with the presence of a philharmonic band. When the mass and sale are finished, the parade continues towards the small temple and the knight, assistants and revellers parade with the obras “works” (ring-shaped pastry and bread loafs). Then, soups are served to the guests.