The Brotherhood of Port (Confraria do Vinho do Porto)

  :: View an Intronization Ceremony (video)

The Palacio da Bolsa is an extraordinary building in Porto. Its construction began in 1842 and took 60 years to complete but it was not built for kings as one might expect, but for commerce. Here, once a year, under the watchful eye of H enry the Navigator, the Brotherhood of Port welcomes new members.

The intronization ceremony takes place in the Hall of Nations. The clothing of the brotherhood evokes the heraldry of the port trade. The green and red on the ribbon are the colours of the Portuguese flag. The dramatic red robe is embroidered with the crest of the brotherhood.

The black hat is a copy of the one worn by Henry the Navigator - Infante Don Henrique, the patron of the brotherhood. The taboladeira attached to the end of the ribbon dates back to the 17th century. It is a replica of the cup once used to taste wine in the cellars.

Members of the Confraria will wear their ceremonial garb at the intronization ceremonies and other gatherings, such as the annual race of the barcos rabelos during the festival of St John.

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