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Near Guarda, a region whose textile production was boosted by the Marquês de Pombal, the village of Maçainhas once made a living from the manufacture of Papa blankets (“Pressed”), which were once very popular. The Genuine Cobertor de Papa Association was created to preserve its traditional manufacturing. Seasonally, in the summer, the thick and long Churra wool – from a local breed of sheep - is spun and woven on an entirely manual loom. From here it goes to the scouring machine, where it is washed and pressed into felt, then to the carding machine, which pulls the “fur”, and finally it is stretched out to dry in the sun. This is the only way to get the real Papa blanket, consistent, warm and heavy, whether in a solid color or colorful patterns, with his characteristic long “hair”.