This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Read today's Portuguese stories delivered to your email comprising the municipalities of Viana do Castelo has been designated as the “European Region of Gastronomy and Wine of 2025” The title was awarded by the Associação de Municípios Portugueses do Vinho (AMPV) in recognition of the region’s rich culinary history and wine heritage The four municipalities along the Lima River are among the most significant components of their tourism offering as this acknowledgement served as the basis for granting the title The Vale do Lima Region of Gastronomy and Wine project seeks to boost enogastronomic tourism by promoting local culture and the renowned Loureiro do Vale do Lima wine this variety of vinho verde plays a central role in the region’s identity This initiative also focuses on fostering sustainability which is characterised by fresh ingredients Vale do Lima’s appeal extends beyond food and wine breathtaking views and historical landmarks This comprehensive approach to tourism emphasises sustainability while reinforcing the cultural and natural assets of the region By celebrating its rich traditions and leveraging its gastronomic and vinicultural treasures Vale do Lima aims to position itself as a top-tier destination for visitors in 2025 and more We appreciate that not everyone can afford to pay for our services but if you are able to we ask you to support The Portugal News by making a contribution – no matter how small You can change how much you give or cancel your contributions at any time Send us your comments or opinion on this article Reaching over 400,000 people a week with news about Portugal met in the Vale do Rio Vez (River Vez valley) giving rise to one of the most important moments in the founding of a nation This kind of medieval tournament helped avoid a full-scale battle delivering a significant advantage to the people of Portugal and the ambitions of their young monarch for an independent Afonso Henriques won the contest and became the first king of Portugal Setting off with a good feeling about that historic moment about 100km from Porto and almost 90km from Vigo First we cross the Roman bridge over the river Vez stroll through the streets and spend some time in the church of S Paio (a mix of 18th and 19th century architecture) and the church of Nuestra da Lapa (18th century) hunger pangs lead us to sample some of the local such as 'cachena' beef (a local breed of cattle) served with 'tarreste' (kidney beans with rice) 'cabritinho mamão da serra' ( tender roast goat) or 'sarrabulho' (pigs' blood stew) with potatoes Not forgetting to wash that down with a glass or two of a young light wine from the Vinhao or Lureiro grape varieties For dessert it has to be a portion of 'bolo de discos e charutos dos arcos' (a multi-layered one of the seven sweet delights of Portugal it is time to climb the steps leading to Peneda Sanctuary lodged between the steep-sided mountains and shaded by lofty trees This presents a good photo opportunity: just by the church where a huge rock sits perfectly balanced at the base of the Fraga da Meadinha cliff The town of Arcos de Valdevez is located in the only national park in the country Further north within the park we find the village of Sistelo which in 2018 was chosen as one of the winning locations in the The Seven Wonders of Portugal competition We can take a pleasant stroll through Sistelo's streets carpeted with large stones worn by the many years of carts rattling over them Here you should see the late 19th century castle-palace and you don't miss the beautiful terraces along the mountain slopes.. That is why Sistelo is also called 'the little Portuguese Tibet' a great place to stay in one of its traditional houses that have been faithfully restored Many kilometres of trails snake around this area a riverside route with wooden walkways and bridges to cross plus crystal clear lagoons and the banks of the Vez and Lima rivers Once you know that Arcos de Valdevez is at the heart of a world-class Biosphere Reserve you will understand why its ecological wealth is so lush local horse breed) and gallop through its virgin forests canoe down the rivers or try the dizzying heights of canyoning Just 15 minutes from the centre of Arcos de Valdevez is Porta do Mezio gateway to the wonderful Peneda-Gerês National Park Everything is within a stone's throw from here There is the visitor centre at the foot of the Alto Minho mountain range a space dedicated to discovery and science which takes its name from the man known as Father Himalaya a visionary Portuguese scientist and priest from the late 19th century There is also the national monument of Paço de Giela where a historical reenactment of the Valdevez 'Rencontro' tournament takes place every year There is also an equestrian-related monument dedicated to the Valdevez Recontro of 1141 located in the heart of Campo do Trasladário (public gardens) that is well worth seeing And thus our tale of travel and history comes full circle.. Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados Watch Ash Wednesday Mass live w/ Bishop CaggianoWednesday The Diocese of Bridgeport is dedicated to advancing and supporting the diocesan mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving those in need An EU-funded project has helped to promote the natural architectural and cultural heritage associated with the River Vez and its tributaries in the Norte Region of Portugal the River Vez Open-Air Water Museum now has around 20 km of paths running alongside the river and six observation points from where visitors can view native flora and fauna The Water Museum promotes various kinds of heritage The museum has around 20 km of paths that allow the visitor to encounter several examples including the Ponte de Vilela (Vilela Bridge) As well as the development of the paths and viewing points the project disseminated knowledge of the region’s environmental heritage among the local population and visitors This included setting up information panels throughout the museum The improvements have increased visitors’ and residents’ awareness of the area’s characteristics enabling them to derive the fullest possible benefit from their time near the River Vez They have also increased annual museum visitor numbers to about 48 000 the River Vez rises in the foothills of the Serra do Soajo at an altitude of around 1 200 m and empties into the River Lima It is close to the area known as the Portuguese Tibet on account of its agricultural terraces cut out of steep hillsides the Vez constitutes a component of the EU’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas which offers a haven to Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats It is situated within the Gerês-Xures Biosphere Reserve Straddling the border between Portugal and Spain the Gerês-Xures reserve is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves These reserves aim to promote solutions that reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use The museum itself is in the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez and forms a gateway to the Peneda-Gerês National Park – the only national park in Portugal The museum’s reception centre provides visitors with information on the various features of the Vez and its tributaries thus preparing them for a journey along its pathways between the mouth of the Vez and the Ponte de Vilela – a mediaeval bridge the museum is divided into different sections These are based on the characteristics of the river wildlife or landscape in a given place or the human impact particularly regarding the presence of structures such as bridges Each information panel emphasises the most prominent features of the section in which it is located Attention is drawn to points of historical architectural and ethnographic significance cormorants and forest birds; the town of Arcos de Valdevez; flowering meadows and pollinating insects; trout dragonflies and aquatic macroinvertebrates; and the riparian forest information on the Vez had not always been easily accessible to members of the public The project has rectified this with a view to encouraging more environmentally sustainable behaviour as part of an integrated local development plan the activities have contributed to the planning and design of additional structures that can help protect the environment and provided a model that can be replicated in other geographical contexts Total investment for the project “River Vez Open-Air Water Museum” is EUR 345 071 with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 293 310 through the “NORTE 2020” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period The investment falls under the priority “Environmental quality” Estrutura de missão criada pelo Decreto-Lei n.º 137/2014 que funciona junto da CCDR Norte 9 missing after capsized boat washes ashore near San Diego Northeast: Days of showers and storms for some Halley's Comet to set off meteor shower Monday night Soggy South Central states: Intense downpours to renew flooding risk Two people killed when small plane crashes into California homes Staffing shortage causes 7 days of major delays at Newark Airport Coyote drinks from Los Angeles salon's skylight The REAL ID deadline is less than a week away Fungi could be used to build homes one day Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications A photo of three cows lying on a roundabout in Serra de Soajo A photo shared by the Soajo – Paraiso Natural – PNPGerês page shows the three animals resting on the roundabout The caption reads: “The cattle are still down here But with respect for the direction of traffic…” the photo has garnered more than six thousand reactions and more than two hundred comments Serra do Soajo is the sixth highest point in mainland Portugal Several areas woke up covered in snow this morning Snow fell again in several parts of the country after several days with thermometers tipping the 30ºC mark woke up painted white after the snow fell during the afternoon and night of Monday right on the doorstep of the Peneda-Gerês National Park We have never had so much rain as this winter If there is still a water shortage in Portugal I don't understand where all that water disappears to.... The breathtaking landscapes that Portugal has to offer have originated creative and unique spots to contemplate such splendor. The reputation of the panoramic swings started in the summer of 2020 and the number keeps rising. Offering views to the river, the mountains or the countryside, all these marvelous swings, made with totally different resistance than usual, allow any adult to use them freely, thus making them return to their memories of childhood. With more and more photographing them for posts on social networks, they are spread all over the country and it really is worth it to “fly” in them, providing us an incredible sense of freedom. This swing is dedicated to all the lovers. Aside from the magnificent views, its highlight is a sentence carved in its own wood where one can read “The love that unites us”. It is located next to Capela de Santa Marinha (Chapel of Santa Marinha) in Fafe and it is wonderful to immortalize a romantic moment in the form of a photograph. We are sure you will not ever forget the moment in which you rocked yourself with this wonderful view in sight while hugged to your other half. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Afonso (@_jessicaafonso) It is the largest string swing in the whole of Portugal, with its 7.60 metre tall wooden structure, built atop of Mezio, in Arcos de Valdevez, near Porta do Mezio, one of the five gates to the National Park of Peneda-Gerês. In order to get there, just walk or cycle 120 metres. Here nature can be experienced in its purest state, watch the cows grazing freely as well the horses. Here you can fully enjoy the full 360 degree view to the Park, it will be so worth it! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baloiço do Mezio (@baloico_do_mezio) Located in the Parish of Requeixo, about 15km from the centre of Aveiro, Baloiço da Lagoa da Pateira do Carregal is surrounded by a a wholly idyllic scenery. It was setup here so those visiting can enjoy the view a field of water lilies and the whole of the natural landscape of Parque Ribeirinho do Carregal. Here, you have picknick tables for a snack, and you can go up the observation tower for avifaunato feast your eyes with the wonders of nature. Access is free and accessible also to people with reduced mobility. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mafalda Mota (@mafaldamsbm) It is nothing more than a stone-built seat held by two ropes to a tree trunk, but the heavenly scenery is very much worth the effort to arrive there. It can be found in Cinfães, near canhão de Pias and little waterfalls can also be seen here. The water that flows under the swing is that of Rio Bestança, which source is in Serra de Montemuro, at 1229 metres of altitude, and which runs through the municipality of Cinfães until it flows into Rio Douro.In order to find it, walk along the pavement along the trout farming ponds and follow the signs. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mariana & Gil (@2bcome_n_go) This swing, which also bears the name Baloiço das Piscinas de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, can be found between Castanheira de Pera and Coimbra, in the region of Lousã, close to the Aldeias de Xisto [Schist Villages]. It can only be accessed when the creek’s stream is low, or it can put any visitor in danger. Here you can rock as you dip your feet in the water, and you can also take a dip. The natural pool is marvelous, making it a fantastic spot for a summer day. View this post on Instagram A post shared by João Ramalhete Photos (@jramalhetephotos) It is in Castelo de Paiva and offers a panoramic view of the Douro river. It is located on Mount São Gens, in Santa Maria da Sardoura. The region of the Douro, as it is known, is full of magic in terms of natural beauty, for it worth it to visit this swing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sara Ferro Baptista (@saraferrobaptista) Located in the Parque do Divino Salvador, in the parish of Bem Viver, this swing holds a breathtaking view of the Douro which will result in great photographs. This swing was built by the local community and stresses the beauty of the park which is, by itself, enough to take a visit to this magic spot. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andreia Miranda (@a.m.i.r.a.n.d.a) Located on top of Picoto, a tranquil place on the highest point of Vila de Abragão, at about 540 metres of altitude, this swing offers an incredible view over the Tâmega river and it is the result of the initiative of the group “Rodativa BTT”, founded by friends that promote activities such as off-road cycling, trails and hikes around Aragão, 12km from Penafiel. You have to walk at least 500 metres to arrive the peak of Abragão. View this post on Instagram A post shared by lilianapereiraoficial🌈 (@lilianapereiraoficial) Built in Meco da Guerra, around Monte de Paradela in Trofa, i tis one of the highest points of the municipality and is visited by bicycle lovers. This swing works as a panoramic belvedere in the middle of the countryside, with a view to the town. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baloiço Do Meco (@baloico_do_meco) Serra de Negrelos is one of the forest settlements of Vila Nova de Gaia. In 1983, a Trail of Nature Interpretation was created to transform this mountain into an area dedicated to environmental education. The swing can be found along this trail, surrounded by the forested area of this range, and was created by a group of friends of ADC, Santa Isabel Trail & Running. From this rocking chair, you can see a lagoon, and to get there, you just have to follow the path signaled by pink ribbons that start next to the bandstand [coreto] and the church of Canelas. If you want to feel the joy of rocking yourself while reviving your childhood memories, as you are stunned with the idyllic and unequaled landscapes, then do pay a visit to these fantastic spots! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andreia Carvalho da Silva (@andreia.oak) Essential cookies enable basic functions and are necessary for the proper function of the website Statistics cookies collect information anonymously This information helps us to understand how our visitors use our website Arrangements are by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home and burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery Joao is survived by his wife Maria (da Conceicao) and his children Arlete Campos (Adrian) and John Caetano (Jessica) He also leaves his sisters Maria Arlete Almeida and Maria Celeste Portijo and three grandchildren first settling in Newark and then moving to Kearny 36 years ago Arrangements were by the Armitage and Wiggins Funeral Home, 596 Belgrove Dr., Kearny. A funeral Mass was held in St. Cecilia’s Church, Kearny, followed by entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.armitagewiggins.com Galvao is survived by his wife Maria (Barreiro) and his daughters and their husbands Emilia and Tomas Veloso Esmeralda and Jose Rebimbas and Maria and Americo Nobre 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren If you would like to make a memorial donation the family asks that you consider Parkinson Research Griffin was predeceased by her husband of 59 years Survivors are her sons and daughters-in-law John and Joyce of Fairfield and Mel and Susan of Kearny entered into eternal rest at home on Friday A funeral service will be held at the Mulligan Funeral Home, on Tuesday, July 2, at 11 a.m. Friends may call Tuesday morning after 10 a.m. William’s interment will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown. For information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit mulliganfuneralhome.org William sustained serious shrapnel wounds and earned a Purple Heart it was his G.I.-issued Bible that William always remembered the Bible he carried in his breast pocket was struck by a bullet that penetrated the entire text (including all the family photos William carried with him) before stopping at the last page His family remains eternally grateful for the Bible that allowed him to return home safely He was the commander and a lifetime member of the Sgt for over 50 years and Past District #3 VFW Commander William was also a lifetime member of the D.A.V He was a member of the American Legion Post # 282 William worked as a truck driver for 37 years at Merit Distribution Center in Kearny Predeceased by his wife Lorena (nee Mitchell) in 2008 nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren the family kindly requests contributions in loving memory of William at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City she lived in North Arlington before moving to Kearny 30 years ago “Val’s contagious smile lit up everyone’s life; her humorous personality will be missed by all her family and friends and her generous nature will be missed by all,” a family member said She was the beloved mother of Candace Hodnett and her husband Paul Isolano the devoted daughter of James and Mollie (nee D’Adamo) Fullone Marisa and Julia and the former wife of Patrick Hodnett The funeral was from the Parow Funeral Home with a funeral Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Donations in her memory may be made to the Angels of Animals Kathy had been employed by Pomptonian Caterers for many years and had worked in West Hudson Hospital and Kearny High School as a dietary aide She was also a member and past president of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles She ran the yearly Christmas toy drive for the Eagles Funeral services were held privately and entrusted to the Condon Funeral Home Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email Please use this form even if you've subscribed previously using one of our other platforms — like Mailchimp Signing up here will ensure you'll be notified whenever we post something new .. or you may choose a different delivery frequency Looking for an old issue of The Observer? Our online archive goes back to 2013 — and by clicking here please contact the Kearny Public Library at (201) 998-2666 At the gates of the Peneda-Gerês National Park the 'Enchanted Forest' promises to illuminate and fill Christmas with magic once again on a trail marked by a beautiful natural landscape But how about a Christmas stroll through an ‘Enchanted Forest’ it seems that the 4th edition of the Christmas initiative will once again light up the Lagoas de Travanca area depending on traffic conditions and the route chosen According to information provided by Rádio Vale do Minho around 100,000 visitors are expected for this year’s edition and the route will be in a new location and bigger than ever Surrounded by a space full of natural scenery among a diversity of different plants and a riverside area with several waterfalls the ‘Enchanted Forest’ lights switch-on is scheduled for December 1 the initiative is expected to be open to the public until January 6