For that reason, people rely on legends to explain how the Folar appeared.
A long time ago, there was a woman called Mariana who really wanted to get married, so she prayed and asked for Santa Catarina to help her fulfil her wish. Due to her faith, Santa Catarina decided to help Mariana and presented her with two men, a rich and a poor one. Mariana did not know which one she wanted to marry, but both men were eager to know the answer and asked her to choose one by Palm Sunday, a week before Easter.
On that day, both men started to fight, and neighbours advised Mariana, who faced both admirers, to make a decision. Mariana decided that Amaro, the poor farmer, would be her husband, which caused the rich nobleman to erupt in anger, making Mariana frightened of what could happen.
Filled with fear, Mariana, once again, prayed to Santa Catarina, hoping that she could bring some peace to her life, as well as protect her wedding from violence. On the wedding day, the bride was anxious and nervous, not knowing what the day could bring. When stepping out of her house, Mariana found a cake with an egg in the middle, decorated with flowers. Promptly, she headed to Amaro’s house, to thank him for the gift, however her fiancé also had a cake. They both thought it was a present from the nobleman, who wanted to apologise for his behaviour.
The couple decided to thank the nobleman for his gesture and went to his house. To their surprise, the nobleman also had a cake, with the same characteristics as Mariana and Amaro’s cake. After that, the three realised that there was no necessity for fighting, and so Folar became a symbol of friendship and reconciliation.
Folar de Olhão
Contrary to the Folar described in the legend, the Folar de Olhão does not include an egg in its recipe. Considered one of the 7 Maravilhas Doces de Portugal, in 2019. The Folar de Olhão is moister than the traditional Folar, which has the egg in the middle. The delicacy that has its origin in Olhão is built with layers of dough, sandwiched with sugar, cinnamon, and fennel. The recipe may vary according to family traditions, adding some ingredients to the recipe. However, at the end of the day, people will know that they are tasting one of the greatest delicacies of the region.
Symbol of friendship
To symbolise union and affection, it is common that, during Easter, godchildren, and godparents trade gifts during the time. Folar or not, traditionally, the gifts traded are called Folar da Páscoa, showing that family relationships can be built regardless of blood relationships.