São Martinho's Day: Chestnuts and New Wine Across Portugal (11 November)

São Martinho's Day: Portugal's Feast of Chestnuts and New Wine

Every year on 11 November, the smell of roasted chestnuts drifts through towns and villages across Portugal. St Martin's Day (São Martinho) ranks among the most beloved dates in the Portuguese calendar; it is not tied to a single location but celebrated nationwide, from the north to the south, through the Magusto: a communal gathering around a bonfire where chestnuts are roasted and new wine, along with the traditional drink água pé (a light grape pomace wine), is shared.

Highlights

• Nationwide celebrations on 11 November, the Verão de São Martinho (Indian summer)
• Roasted chestnuts around bonfires in nearly every town and village
• Tastings of new wine, água pé and jeropiga
• Regional highlights such as the São Martinho fair in Alijó (from 7:00 AM)
• Traditional Magusto in the Serra da Lousã nature park
• Family and neighbourhood gatherings in parks, squares and wineries

Program

According to legend, the Roman soldier Martin of Tours shared his cloak with a freezing beggar on a bitter winter day, and shortly after the sun is said to have broken through, giving Portugal's mild autumn spell around 11 November its name: Verão de São Martinho. In Portugal the day is also closely linked to the wine harvest, since it traditionally marks the first tasting of the new wine. Around this date, municipalities, wineries and neighbourhoods organise their own Magustos; in Alijó, the traditional São Martinho fair opens early in the morning with chestnuts, tripas (stuffed offal) and new wine, while the Serra da Lousã biological park hosts a classic Magusto. In Fafe, a "cosmic Magusto" combines chestnuts and wine with stargazing through telescopes. Wineries such as Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca in Azeitão offer their own wine tastings paired with chestnuts around 11 November.

Tickets

Most Magustos in parks, squares and neighbourhoods are free to attend; people often bring their own chestnuts and drinks or buy them on site. Individual organised experiences, such as guided wine tastings, themed walks or dinners at wineries and manor houses, charge a separate, usually modest fee and should be booked in advance.

Visitor Tips

• Bring warm clothing, as most celebrations take place outdoors around a bonfire.
• For an authentic experience, choose a small village or neighbourhood gathering rather than a large city event.
• Try água pé in small amounts, as its alcohol content is often underestimated.
• Book winery events early, as spaces are limited.
• Check local newspapers and municipal websites in advance, as exact times and locations vary by town.