On 27-31 May 2023, a delegation of the Romanian Consulate of the OEVE, composed of Proconsul Marius Farmazon, Consular Marshal Dan Preda and Consular Marshal Gratzian Mărgărit, participated in the 52nd edition of the International Congress of the F.I.C.B., organized in Porto-Portugal.
On the evening of 27 May, a reception was held in the auditorium of the Hilton Hotel in honour of the participants, with the opening address by the President of Portugal, His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, followed by speeches by the President of the F.I.C.B. Mr. Alan Bryden , President of the Federation of Portuguese Bahá’í Brotherhoods, Mr. Pedro Rego and the President of the Congress, Mr. Albino Jorge.
This was followed by a festive dinner with traditional Portuguese products and wines from the Vinhos Verde and Douro wine regions.
On 28 May we travelled to the city of Viana do Castelo where the programme began with a liturgy in the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia.
Lunch followed in the Vihno Verde area, accompanied by a tasting of white and red wines specific to the region.
Later, in the building of the Sa de Miranda Municipal Theatre in Viana do Castelo, the induction ceremony took place, during which the members of the Romanian delegation were inducted to the rank of Knight of the Confrerie do Vihno Verde.
On 29 May we travelled to the Douro wine region, to the Quinta da Pacheca winery.
After a tour of the winery and an explanation of winemaking and ageing methods, a tasting of white wines, rosés and the famous Port wine followed.
Lunch was held on the Quinta da Pacheca wine producer’s estate, with traditional dishes accompanied by white and red wines from the Reserva collection, as well as a 10 year old Port wine.
A cruise on the Douro River to the city of Porto followed.
The first part of 30 May was dedicated to the Academic Session, and from 5.30 pm the participants started to march to the Porto Congress Centre.
In the first part of the evening event, Proconsul Marius Farmazon received, on behalf of the Romanian Consulate of the OEVE, the distinction of Knight of the Order of the Port Wine Fraternity.
This was followed by a gala dinner with wines from all the regions visited during the congress, and at the end a presentation and tasting of Port wines.
The evening ended with a speech of thanks by F.I.C.B. President Mr. Alan Bryden and the organisers.
Consular Chargé,
Iudex Gratzian Mărgărit
