Occurred this week. Thirty grand lodges reported in attendance.
On Thursday, a lodge was reopened (reopened in some jurisdictions), working the Scottish Rite in French. This GL also has lodges working the Adoniram Rite (which had ended in Portugal, but was returned from Brazil) and the Scottish Rectified Rite (the higher degrees are worked under the CBCS in the US). These rights may be recognised by use of distinctive headwear and, in the latter case, swords by at least the installed masters.
If you have the opportunity, it is well worth your time and money to attend a European or African Grand Lodge. To sit at a meal with brethren from six countries is a learning experience.
FYI, in Portugal, when the Masonic invitation says "smart casual", they mean a suit without tie, not slacks and blazer. Most will have a white shirt. Lodge dress is white shirt, black suit, black tie. Only the Home GLs wore morning suits with short jacket.
On Thursday, a lodge was reopened (reopened in some jurisdictions), working the Scottish Rite in French. This GL also has lodges working the Adoniram Rite (which had ended in Portugal, but was returned from Brazil) and the Scottish Rectified Rite (the higher degrees are worked under the CBCS in the US). These rights may be recognised by use of distinctive headwear and, in the latter case, swords by at least the installed masters.
If you have the opportunity, it is well worth your time and money to attend a European or African Grand Lodge. To sit at a meal with brethren from six countries is a learning experience.
FYI, in Portugal, when the Masonic invitation says "smart casual", they mean a suit without tie, not slacks and blazer. Most will have a white shirt. Lodge dress is white shirt, black suit, black tie. Only the Home GLs wore morning suits with short jacket.