Two weeks of culture, music and tradition in Portugal’s northernmost town
Melgaço em Festa is the municipality’s grand annual celebration, spanning two full weeks in August. The program opens with the Dia do Brandeiro at Branda da Aveleira (August 2–3), celebrating the transhumance tradition unique to the region. The Festa do Emigrante (August 5) at Largo do Mercado honors Melgaço residents abroad. From August 6–10, nightly concerts feature artists such as Quim Barreiros, Emanuel, Teresa Salgueiro, Amália Hoje, and Sons do Minho.
The International Folklore Festival “The World Dancing” (August 7) brings national and foreign dance groups. A Medieval Market in the historic center (August 8–10) recreates medieval life with period crafts and food. A Historical Procession (August 9) involves local associations in period costume. The festivities close with Festa C(r)asteja in Castro Laboreiro (August 13–15), combining nature, heritage and popular culture in one of the most remote and beautiful parishes in Portugal.
Melgaço, Alto Minho, Northern Portugal.