The initiative “Piece of the Month” aims to showcase, in an unexpected space, some of the pieces from the Museum of Vila do Conde, sparking curiosity and encouraging visits. Each month, different objects and documents from the Museum’s collections are presented at the City Hall.

For the month of June, and in celebration of Saint John’s Day on 24 June, the patron saint of Vila do Conde, a tambourine decorated with bobbin lace is highlighted. The art of bobbin lace making is one of Vila do Conde’s main ex-libris, forming part of the tradition and symbolism associated with the São João festivities. This tambourine, crafted by lacemaker Alice Veiga, is part of the collection of the Bobbin Lace Museum.

The São João folklore tradition—an evocation of the times when the Poor Clare nuns would sing with the people in praise of the town’s patron saint—is represented by Rancho da Praça - Rendilheiras de Vila do Conde and Rancho das Rendilheiras do Monte.

On the “Great Night of São João”, there is an ancient custom: the boy offers his partner a coloured ribbon to decorate her tambourine, symbolising a request for union or a declaration of intent, and the girl reciprocates with a red carnation placed on the boy’s lapel, meaning mutual love and confirming the bond. This way, she expresses her willingness to date or confirms the pair for the festivities and their commitment to dance together throughout the night.

This ancient courtship ritual dates back to traditional Minho festivals and São João celebrations.