Admission of New Confrades

The admission of new Confrades takes place in two steps; approval by the Capítulo and Entronização.

Each new Confrade must be proposed by a Mestre who vouches that the candidate qualifies to be admitted into the Confraria.

In the case of Fidalgo Cavaleiro, each proposal must be accompanied by an active curriculum of the candidate for the rank. This is reviewed by the Chancelaria, and if approved by the Capítulo, the rank is bestowed for a period of five years.

The honorary ranks of Infanção and Cancelario may be proposed only by the Chancelaria.

All new proposals are presented to the Capítulo at a general assembly convened for the purpose.

Following the Capítulo, the Confraria services make contact with each new Confrade to initiate the welcome process and presentation of insignias.

Introduction – Entronização

New Confrades are welcomed into the Confraria during an Entronização, the induction ceremony where they receive their Tambuladeira, Diploma, and sign the Livro de Honra,

The Entronização Anual is held each year in the magnificent Patio das Nações of Porto’s Palacio da Bolsa, commencing with great pomp and circumstance and culminating in a celebration of Port Wine, the Confraria, and the new Confrades.

The ceremony is conducted with grandeur and nobility and follows the choreographed structure defined in the Usanças.

The pageantry of the entrance procession sets the stage for the induction of the new members, with the Chancelaria leading the New Confrades and their proposing Mestre to their places to the sound of a live classical anthem.

The ceremony is officially opened by the Chanceler, after which the Fiel das Usanças calls on each New Confrade to come forward to the stage to be presented with the appropriate insignias of rank and their Tambuladeira by the proposing Mestre. The new Confrade then signs the Livro de Honra and receives their Diploma.

Finally, the new Confrades make a solemn commitment to the future of Port Wine.

All of the new and existing Confrades are provided with a glass of Port Wine, and in the presence of all assembled proclaim aloud:

“I pledge my support to the Confraria and to continue fighting for the honour of Port Wine.”

The Chanceler concludes the Entronização Ceremony by raising his Port Wine in the toast:

• Pelo Vinho do Porto (For Port Wine)
• Pela Confraria (For The Confraria)
• Pelos Confrades (For The Confrades)

The Ceremony is closed by the Chanceler, who leads the Chancelaria and Confrades in the exit procession. n the exit procession.