Wellington Carnival was represented in twin town Torres Vedras’ Carnival which took place from 28th February to 5th March.
Carnival Chair Dave Rylatt, and Katie and Elinor Rylatt, took part in the carnival, with honorary Wellingtonians Nigel Phillips, Pete Cousins, James Nelson and Ashley T’head.
Dave explained: “The organisers of Torres Vedras Carnival have been inviting Nigel and his team to Torres Vedras for the last 5 years, having been introduced to them by our twin town organisers whilst taking part in Wellington Carnival. The Portuguese, therefore, assume they’re from Wellington. Not that that matters, as our honorary town members absolutely thrill the Portuguese crowds with Mr and Mrs Potato Heads which were shipped over to Portugal to take a special part in their carnivals.
“Our adopted town members are highly regarded. Not only do they give up their time to travel to Portugal at their own expense, but are also acting as Wellington representatives; they are a real credit to Carnival. Mr and Mrs Potato Head has been so well received in Portugal, they are due take pride of place in a prominent position in a Carnival museum in Torres Vedras which is due to open in the next few months.”
The Wellington party were also joined in Portugal by La Rochal Twirl Majorettes from France. This troupe have been coming to Wellington Carnival for the last two years.
Visitors from both Wellington and France stayed with Portuguese host families, and were treated to a full programme of events, taking part in Carnival as well as being treated to visits to Lisbon and the popular beach resort of Nazare which is home to the biggest waves in the world – 90m high at certain times of the year.
The group also attended a formal civic dinner which was hosted by Torres Vedras Mayor, Carlos Miguel Bernardes. Dave Rylatt said, “To take part in this magnificent carnival for the fourth time was an absolute privilege and we cannot thank our hosts enough for their hospitality. We were treated like royalty and were mindful that, as well as looking after our group, they also had a 15m euro event to manage which attracts over 500,000 visitors from around Portugal and elsewhere. To find the time to spend with us made us feel very special.”
The Wellington Carnival representatives presented the organisers of Torres Vedras Carnival and the Mayor with unique prints of the Wellington Monument, specially created by Lotus Pond Creations to commemorate the exchange.
Dave said, “Although the girls representing Wellington were delighted with Portuguese Carnival, cuisine, and culture, they were very happy to be able to visit a well known food chain in Lisbon at the end of their stay!”
