What is St. Martin's Day?
In Portugal, Dia de São Martinho has become a day to celebrate the maturation of the year’s wine production.
On this day in many Portuguese communities, a large party is held. A bonfire is built, recently-harvested castanhas (chestnuts) are roasted, and the first wines of the season are tasted. This celebration festival is known as a magusto (“great fire”).
This period is also quite popular because of the usual good weather period that occurs in Portugal at this time of year, called Verão de São Martinho (St. Martins Summer)!
Where can I feel the São Martinho Celebration?
- A lot of typical Portuguese restaurants celebrate with typical food during this weekend
- You can eat castanhas (chestnuts) in almost all city centers and parks (There's always someone selling it)
- Almost every big city has its events, you can search "São Martinho 2022 + the name of your city"
Example: "São Martinho 2022 Lisbon"
As they say in Portugal: É dia de São martinho. Comem-se castanhas; prova-se o vinho! (“It is St. Martin’s Day. We’ll eat chestnuts; we’ll taste the wine.”)
Have you already eaten Portuguese chestnuts this year? Share with us!