Locality of Lem celebrates Santo António with vast program and tribute to João Lima de Pina

The celebrations began back in May, with the emphasis on sports competitions. On May 14, the community saw the kick-off of the Nhô Djunzinho Cup and the men's futsal tournament for the under-15 and under-17 categories. The excitement of the sports finals took over on May 24 and 25, with the crowning of the champions of the Nhô Djunzinho Cup and the youth futsal tournaments, respectively, at the Polivalente do Lém.

On May 26, futsal continued to take center stage, with the start of tournaments for the Senior Men's and Senior Women's categories. The 27th also saw the start of the Old Glories Futsal tournament, promising games full of nostalgia and talent.

The June schedule continues at a fast pace, with the continuation of the futsal tournaments and the introduction of new activities. Starting on May 28, and continuing into June, registration opened for more traditional and popular competitions, such as the Donkey Race, the Bisca and Oril contests, Athletics and Cycling, highlighting Lem's cultural richness. On June 2, the Oril and Bisca Tournament also began at the Community Center.

One of the highlights of the festivities will be the Miss Santo António 2025 Pageant, scheduled for June 7 at 9pm, where the beauty and charisma of Lem's youth will be celebrated. June 8 will be full of movement and excitement with the athletics and cycling events starting at 10am, followed by the iconic Donkey Race at 11am. The prize-giving and trophies for these disciplines will take place on the same day, which will close with a cultural evening of theater and dance by the group "Lembra Tempo", and the long-awaited tributes, including to João Lima de Pina.

The senior futsal finals promise to end the sporting phase on a high note: the women's final will take place on June 9, and the men's final on June 10, with the respective trophies being awarded.

The Big Day: June 13

As the community approaches its patron saint's day, religious fervor and tradition take center stage. The day before, on June 11, will be marked by the traditional Pilão in the square of the feast-goers' house, a moment of unity and preparation. The day before, June 12, begins with the Blessing of the Flag in the Chapel of Santo António at 6:30 p.m..

June 13, St. Anthony's Day, will be the height of the celebrations. Activities start early, at 6am, with the Procession of Reverends to the Mast - Cutelo Grande, followed by a community breakfast at 8am. The central moment will be at 10.30am, with the solemn Procession and Mass in the Chapel of Santo António, which will include the long-awaited Tribute to Mr. João Lima de Pina.

After the religious ceremony, the community will gather for a Popular Lunch at the Lém Multipurpose Hall at 1pm. At 5pm, the Passing of the Flag will take place, symbolizing the continuity of the tradition and the preparation for next year.

The festivities will culminate with a grand Popular Ball at the Lém Multipurpose Hall from 11pm, which will feature performances by several well-known artists, including Albertino Évora, Nito Kasakas, Jorge Sena, Many Baptista, Rosa Borges, Sem Plano, Dari, MiChibioti Cotchi PO, Big Rasta, R Love, Avu, and Tidey. It will be a night of lots of music, dancing and celebration to end the festivities in style.

Lem invites everyone to take part in this vast program and celebrate Santo António and the life of João Lima de Pina in this month of memorable festivities.