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 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.

Read the full story:

Vaca das cordas Pt.1 - A perilous tradition of northern Portugal

Vaca das cordas Pt.2 - The Main Event Revealed