Festa das Fogaceiras 2027 – Traditional Procession in Santa Maria da Feira

Welcome to the Festa das Fogaceiras 2027 in Santa Maria da Feira

Festa das Fogaceiras 2027 takes place on 20 January in Santa Maria da Feira – the fixed date of this tradition of more than 500 years. Since 1505 the community has renewed its vow to the martyr São Sebastião: girls in white carry the traditional fogaça on their heads through the historic centre. The main day is a municipal holiday; the civic cortejo, solemn mass and procession are public and free. The organiser is the Câmara Municipal de Santa Maria da Feira.

Highlights & Attractions at Festa das Fogaceiras in Santa Maria da Feira

• About 250 Meninas Fogaceiras in white dresses and coloured sashes carry the fogaça – a sweet bread shaped like the castle towers – on their heads.
• Morning civic cortejo from the town hall (Paços do Concelho) to the Igreja Matriz.
• Solemn mass with the blessing of the fogaças at the Igreja Matriz.
• Afternoon traditional procession through the streets of the historic centre.
• Origin in 1505: a vow to São Sebastião for protection from the plague; held every year on 20 January since then.
• Strong community involvement: families, schools and associations from across the municipality.
• Fogaça da Feira is a local identity product; January often includes extra cultural, musical and educational events around the festival.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

The fixed core of Festa das Fogaceiras is 20 January. In recent editions the pattern has been: around 10:30 civic cortejo from the Paços do Concelho to the Igreja Matriz; at 11:00 solemn mass with the blessing of the fogaças; at 15:30 the traditional procession through the historic centre. Exact times and any additions for 2027 will be published in due course by the municipality.

Beyond the main day, the celebration traditionally stretches through January with exhibitions, workshops, gastronomic events around the fogaça and concerts. Side programmes change from year to year; some cultural shows may charge admission, while the cortejo, mass and procession remain free. Check the current programme on the official municipal website.

Tickets & Admission for Festa das Fogaceiras Santa Maria da Feira

Admission to the civic cortejo, solemn mass and procession is free. There are no tickets for the central ceremonies on 20 January. Some January side events (concerts, theatre, workshops) have in previous years cost from a few euros up to the low teens; whether and which paid formats run in 2027 is not yet announced. Official information and updates: cm-feira.pt/festa-das-fogaceiras.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Santa Maria da Feira

• Getting there: By car via the A1, A29 or A32, exit Feira. By train on the Vouga Line (connection at Espinho to the Northern Line). Buses from Porto, Gaia, Espinho and São João da Madeira. Nearest major airport: Porto (OPO), then metro, bus or hire car.
• Weather and clothing: Mid to late January in northern Portugal is cool and often wet. Warm layers, waterproof shoes and an umbrella are advisable; the procession is outdoors.
• Where to stay: Book hotels and guesthouses in the centre and nearby early – 20 January is a public holiday and draws many visitors. The historic centre is best explored on foot.
• Practical tips: Claim a good viewpoint along the route from the town hall to the church and in the narrow streets of the Centro Histórico in good time. You can taste fogaça at local bakeries and through the Confraria / Agrupamento de Produtores de Fogaça da Feira.
• Respect: This is a religious and civic vow. Do not block the route and keep a respectful distance from the girls and carriers during the procession. Current notices are published by the Câmara Municipal de Santa Maria da Feira.