In Porto’s old town, linen and cotton textiles are a common sight, with laundry fluttering between windows and souvenir shops displaying scarves, aprons, and tea towels. Many of these shops are run by Bangladeshi immigrants, connecting Portugal’s textile tradition with their homeland. The author reflects on the sentimental value of tea towels, which serve as mementos from past vacations and family moments. Each towel carries memories of conversations and shared experiences, becoming part of a comforting domestic ritual. Before leaving a Portuguese shop, the author selects a new tea towel, symbolizing the continuation of these cherished traditions and connections.
QUESTION: How do everyday objects in your home hold sentimental value or connect you to your family’s history and traditions?
Greetings from Porto, whose lanes are lined with colorful textiles
