January Workshop: Continuing to perfect the art of reenacting.

Two dozen reenacting enthusiasts came together at the Home of the Order in Vendas Novas from January 8th through the 10th, for our first workshop of the year, exploring reenacting of various historical eras.

Despite the rainy weather, they were able to undertake numerous activities, such as the Order's General Studies, training in medieval fencing and Napoleonic drill, textiles, and films showing activities of the OCSP in its infancy in the "last century..."

A small but productive meeting took place to discuss and evaluate future activities, with many ideas for new projects: though our means are small, our will is great!

February Workshop : Reenacting from the Iberian Era till Today.

Good ideas and great enthusiasm sum up the February Workshop, which took place from the 5th through the 7th at the Home of the Order in Vendas Novas, with the participation of two and a half dozen members working on various historical periods.

The latest innovation was the Iberian encampment, which was set up in the open air underneath the cork oaks that abound on the property. The participants tried out a little of the daily life of the era, from cooking over an open fire to sleeping under the stars.

Along with this era, classes and training on medieval and later periods were also put on.

In the North of Portugal : The Order is Underway!

Since the end of 2006, the Order has had representation in the North and Center of Portugal due to the growing number of activities and members, already boasting a dozen and a half personnel, all of whom are quite active!

Various educational training activities have taken place, from the theoretical to the practical: from learning and polishing horseback riding skills, to dance classes and, last February 13th, a class in primary first aid was put on by the Volunteer Fire Fighters of Valadares, in which nearly all members took part.

Various possibilities are being studied at this time for establishing a home for the Order in the North of Portugal - we are counting on all your support!

March Workshop : From Rome to World War II

Involving practically all historical periods, our training workshop took place at the Home of the Order from March 5th through the 7th, with our reenactors working hard & having good fellowship throughout.

The activity began with a strong historical component, namely a seminar on archeological botany in the Roman ruins of Freiria (in Cascais) and on Roman ruins in Portugal , given by two academically recognized experts on the subject.

Socializing, as well as training in the remaining periods filled out the event, in various sessions concerning historical reenacting.

A highlight was the construction of a children's fort by the young re-enactors of the Order, who took great pride in showing it off to the rest of the members!

In Vila Nova de Gaia : History Goes to School

We were invited by the Academy of Music of Vilar do Paraíso, in Vila Nova de Gaia to come to the school on the 22nd for part of the afternoon, where we undertook demonstrations of arms and civilian life during the second half of the 14th century.

Setúbal youth organizations exibition: In the roman imperial times

This event took place this past March 27th in the Largo de Jesus, in Setubal , as a part of the 4th annual Youth Association Show. Here we recreated a Domus Romanum , a Roman home, in Cetóbriga (the ancient name for Setútbal).

Various activities, both military and civilian, took place during this event, which was attended by hundreds of visitors - who could learn a little about history, whether through the exhibited artifacts, conversations with the reenactors, or the live demonstrations

Largo da Ribeira in Oporto : Reenacting the Fernandine Dynasty

On the 27th in Oporto , the Praça da Ribeira seemed almost too small to welcome the hundreds of visitors who wanted to witness the demonstrations of arms and civilian life set during the period of Fernandine Dynasty.

For over two hours, various re-enactors, both civilian and military, put on a series of live demonstrations and displays of artifacts, which were well appreciated by both the public and the media who attended.

It was made a particularly pleasant experience, whether through the good fellowship of the re-enactors of the Order or by the good will of the residents, not to mention the City Council of Oporto, who sponsored this event.

April Workshop: Training and Fun Together

Despite some communications glitches, the Order's April workshop took place from the 9th through the 11th with enthusiasm and good attendance.

The goal was improving the re-enactors' skills in the areas of arms and civilian crafts, as well as the maintenance and repair of our historical materials.

Thanks to this work, we made important progress in the logistical organization of our equipment and accoutrements, as well as learning about their use, accompanied by the usual good-fellowship among the participants.

Roman Workshop : The Romans are coming!

This season's Roman workshop took place on the 24th & 25th at the Order's Home in Vendas Novas. From legionaries to auxiliaries, there was something for everyone in this period, which is increasingly characterized by authenticity, dedication and group spirit.

Occupying the Roman "redoubt" built last year, the legionaries reaped an added benefit from all the rains we had over this hard winter - the moat was full of water, which lent even greater realism!

All of the legionaries' daily tasks were undertaken over the two days, from guard duty, training, patrolling the fields and making reconnaissance of the area, to cleaning and repair of equipment, and cooking the meals (all prepared according to the period) - the next Roman event promises to be particularly animated and authentic.

3rd Heritage Fair in Elvas : The Napoleonic Invasions

The 3rd Elvas Heritage Fair took place in the Exhibition Fair Grounds from April 30th to May 2nd, and featured our contribution of a small encampment of Portugues troops from the time of the Napoleonic Invasions.

Palmela Medieval Festival: In the Time of King Dinis

The school district of Palmela organized Medieval Festival in the Castle at Palmela on May 28th, reenacting the awarding of the city charter by King Dinis. It is gratifying that this historic city put on such a successful and well-attended event to celebrate its past.

The event began with a historical parade through the historic center of Palmela, with hundreds of students participating, representing the reception of the King by the Mayor amid great public enthusiasm.

There was considerable activity throughout the day, from live demonstrations of local crafts, a small medieval market, celebrations, along with varied entertainment put on for the most part by the students and teachers, as well as Pas d'Armes followed by some combat demonstrations.

Torres Vedras : Reenacting the Lines of Torres Vedras at Fort St. Vincent

This May 5th, four dozen young people form the township of Torres Vedras had an experience of the past at Fort St. Vincent , reliving daily military life of the Napoleonic era in 1810 with our reenactors.

Feira Medieval de Alenquer : Reliving history

From May 25 to the 27th, Alenquer recreated daily medieval life with dozens of participants, artisans and reenactors. Our participation was particularly well received by the thousands of visitors who were present over the three day event.

Inauguration of Fort Alqueidão : President of the Republic remembers the Lines of Torres Vedras

On May 26th, His Excellency the President of the Republic inaugurated the restored Fort Alqueidão , in an event put on by the Town Council of Sobral de Monte Agraço, in which we participated in the reenactment of a military encampment of the Anglo-Portuguese army in 1810.

Mões Medieval Fair: A great celebration for the community!

The Mões Philharmonic Society has organised an annual Medieval Fair, which was initiated this July 10th & 11th. Dozens of participants and reenactors and many visitors enlivened the event. It was a great community celebration in which we gladly took part.

Reenacting in São Bento : In the time of the late Roman Empire

The Legion was present this past July 10th in Barcelos to reenact daily military and civilian life in São Bento at the beginning of the fifth century A.D. Representing the twilight of the Western Roman Empire, this was the first event in Portugal of this time period.

Aljubarrota Medieval Fair: Remembering the Patriotic Feat

From the 12th to the 15th of August, dozens of reenactors participated in the Medieval Fair of Aljubarrota, which lends its name to the Royal Battle which took place in 1375, not many miles away at the Battlefield of St. George.

Festival of Roman Gold: Vila Pouca de Aguiar at the Time of Emperor Trajan

Reenacting the time of Roman mining operations - Vila Pouca de Águiar was the site of three such Roman mines - was the reason behind the Festival of Roman Gold on September 4th and 5th.

Sobral de Monte Agraço 1810 : Napoleonic battles

On September 12th a heated open-air battle took place in Sobral. Organised by the 13th of September Association with our partnership, the confrontations along the Lines of Torres Vedras were relived by over a hundred reenactors and Hispano-Portuguese actors.

Virtudes Medieval Fair Virtudes : No In the time of King Dinis

Inspired by the restoration of the Convent of the Virtues, this year's edition of this pleasant Medieval Fair saw the participation of dozens of participants and artisans, as well as our demonstrations of arms and civilian life, in order to reenact the era of King Dinis.

Workshop & the 19th Anniversary of the Ordem : Remembering the Past to prepare for the Future!

The 19th Anniversary of the Ordem was celebrated amid great good-fellowship and brotherhood by forty-two reenactors at the House of the Order in Vendas Novas from the 15th to the 17th of October, in a show of continuity of this great organisation.

Aldeia da Luz in 1510: At the time of King Manuel I

Everyone from grandparents to grandchildren from the region of the Alqueva river basin came together this past November 3rd in the grounds of the Museu da Luz for a reenactment of the daily life in the old village in 1510. That afterrnoon, there were various military and civilian demonstrations, along with performances of court music of the era.

November Workshop: Reorganising the House of the Order

The November workshop, which took place from the 5th to the 7th, was essentially for event planning, organisation, cleaning and storage of materials as diverse as library books, costumes and dozens of replica historic artifacts. Over fifteen participated in this activity and all thought the effort well worthwhile.