Festa de São Gonçalo

A somewhat obvious way to show your fancy!

When: First weekend in June.
Where: Amarante, Portugal

The Festa de São Gonçalo in Amarante, Portugal is an old fertility tradition where those that are unmarried exchange some rather intriguingly shaped cakes as a token of their affections!

Touching the saint’s tomb inside the church of São Gonçalo is thought to bring imminent marriage and so the hands, face and feet of the saint have almost been worn completely away.

A second chapel in the town is also devoted to Gonçalo, this time with respect to his healing powers. Wax body parts are left for the Saint in the hope of a cure. Artificial limbs and bottles of gallstones are also known to appear in the chapel. Fortunately, these offerings are removed at the end of each day – a visit is not for the faint of heart!

Portuguese Food & Drink

Eat… well the picture says it all!. Drink Rose wine

Travel to Portugal

Amarante is a city in the Amarante Municipality of Portugal on the banks of the Tâmega River. The nearest airport is Porto (50km away). Book flights and hotels in Porto with ebookers.com.

Only in Portugal… by LuzKreativa, on Flickr