O Cortejo de Oferendas em benefício da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Ponte de Sor (décadas de 1950 e 1960)

Abstract

The Cortejo de Oferendas (Procession of Offerings) in benefit of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy) de Ponte de Sor took place every three years between 1952 and 1971 and was created as a means to address the institutions' financial difficulties. These difficulties originated with the increase in movement in Hospital Vaz Monteiro, which was at the Santa Casa's charge, and the growth of spending that followed. The organization of the event required an investment in advertising and the formation of offerings' gathering commissions, among other tasks. The Cortejo consisted of a number of cars that transported the offerings, parading down the streets of Ponte de Sor, ending near the Hospital. Besides its economic significance, giving a fundamental contribution to the Misericordia's finances, the Cortejo was an important event due to its great ability to mobilize and represent the society ofthe time, taking place as a symbol for charity in the council.