Photography project
Vaca das Cordas
A perilous tradition of northern Portugal
A traditional event
The ancient and uniquely Portuguese spectacle of Vaca das Cordas (“Cow on a Rope”) takes place annually in the country’s oldest village, Ponte de Lima. A powerful bull, of nearly 500kg, is led through the old cobbled streets by rope, doused in red wine next to the local church, and then brought to the riverfront where locals test their mettle by provoking the bull, an act which frequently ends with casualty.
Why I did it
This huge traditional event is stemmed into the very culture of Portugal, so much so that over 100,000 people turn up to witness or take part, despite growing concern for the bull’s welfare. With thanks to the organisers, I aim to capture not only the immense event and the raw spirit from the crowd, but also the point of view of the bull itself.
Event
Vaca das Cordas
Location
Ponte de Lima, Portugal
Range
Action shots / culture / festival / awareness / human impacts
