The "Merca"

Today, thanks to a legitimate love for the past, the quest for the customs, legends and traditions of a culture that, frequently left out of official books, is extremely important in the discovery of the essence of a community. The “merca” for example, was a proper ceremony in the past. During the month of May, rounded up by the “bestiai”, the new calves were herded into a labyrinth giving start to, in front of the city authorities, the “merca” in which the colts and calves officially enter the heard. While a long iron rod with the owner’s seal was heated, one of the herders led the animals into a circular fenced area in which a large forked trunk was located. The beast was then captured with a rope while two “bestiai” tackled the animal to the ground and tie the legs while the other “bestiai” take the red-hot iron rod and brand the beast.

08
Aug