Dona Tininha of Lisbon

Dona Tininha of Lisbon

We were sad to hear this past week-end that Dona Tininha has passed away.

It was our tradition on our Alfama tour to knock at the wooded shutter of Tininha’s home for a round of ginjinha.

Ginjinha is home-made cherry liquor. It is made by infusing the sour cherry berries in alcohol, sugar and other fruits, which are customarily served with the shot.

A shot of Ginjinha from Tininha. Photo credits to Aneta T. from FourSquare City Guide, 2018.

Whenever Tininha opened the window, we knew we would be up for a broad smile. Then, her terrific home-made “sunshine”.

Even though our tours run almost exclusively in English, Tininha was always a good communicator. Everyone who was drinking her ginjinha knew they were also sipping on a bit of Lisbon’s tradition.

Tininha with a Discover Walks tour group. Photo credits to Discover Walks team.

For us, that tradition of Tininha’s ginjinha started on the first day of our Alfama tour. It is to our knowledge that we were also here first “client”, and are proud of the name that she created for herself not only within the neighbourhood but also internationally.

Tininha laughing with a guest. Photo credits to Rayra Alcure from TripAdvisor, 2014.

As we write this post, all of us at Discover Walks feel sad. One candlelight in Lisbon’s soul has just flickered off. We will miss Tininha, and will always remember her as we pass her house in Alfama.

We pass our warm condolences to her family.