Photography project
Vaca das Cordas
An 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 turned up to witness it, 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. A full writeup is on it’s way, but until then, here my my photos.
Sam Rios
Event
Vaca das Cordas 2025
Location
Ponte de Lima, Portugal
Range
Action shots / culture / festival / awareness / human impacts
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See anything you like?
I’m open to collaborations and supplying photography, whether it be your next big adventure or a project that could turn heads.
Photography Projects
Vaca das Cordas
Action shots / culture / festival / awareness / human impacts
Experience Borneo
Orangutan / sun bear / yoga / rainforest / retreat / animal welfare / fundraising activities
Pada Yatra
Hiking / pilgrim trail / dance / culture and tradition / festival / animal abuse
Borderlands
Canyoning / rafting / action shots / candid capture
Borneo Orangutan Survival
Orangutan / sun bear / hiking / animal welfare / fundraising activities / sanctuary