A typical TR march down the Av de Liberdade to Rossio, this year as always.It now seems that no event can happen in Lisbon without TR to kick it off - from Rock in Rio, raising the curtain on the new Campo Pequeno Bull-Ring to launching a Candidate for the Presidential election, they have to be there! Not just in & around Lisbon, they perform throughout the country and already in various countries across the world.
But it is much more than just a show. For me, it is one of the most positive, successful projects for Portuguese youth, going to schools and organisations, teaching kids self-confidence, team-spirit, loyalty and giving them a sense of justifiable pride in their achievements. Often, they are kids from the worst home backgrounds. These are the kids who have been saved from going wrong in their lives. And now they have spawned similar groups all over the country and revived what is, in fact, an ancient Portuguese tradition of percussion marching bands.
I truly believe that if TR had been born in the UK, Rui Junior would probably have received a Knighthood from the Queen by now for his services to the country ("Arise, Sir Rui Junior"!).
And spare a thought for Sheila, who was the Mestre on 25 de Abril. She had to do the whole parade walking backwards! Not easy, as I can testify, as I have done it several times at political demonstrations. 
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