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WHER AND WHEN

Markets

The market in Ponte de Lima has a rich history, dating back to 1125, and has been held every second Monday since then. You can find the current schedule [here]. On alternate Mondays, there is a smaller market in Freixo, the closest village to Casa das Descobertas.

 

Additionally, there are weekly markets in the surrounding area:

  • Braga: Every Tuesday, about 20 km from our training center.

  • Ponte da Barca and Valença: Every Wednesday.

  • Barcelos: Every Thursday, located 15 km away.

  • Viana do Castelo: Every Friday, 23 km from Casa das Descobertas.​

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Antique markets

Antique markets are also held in manytowns, offering a variety of old and unique items. While much of what’s available can be of little value, we have discovered beautiful and interesting pieces that today decorate Casa das Descobertas. If you enjoy antiques, we highly recommend visiting.

 

Here are the main antique markets in the region:

  • Ponte de Lima: Held on the second Sunday of every month at Avenida dos Plátanos.

  • Freixo: A smaller antique market is organized in the village's main square on the first Saturday of every month.

  • Braga: Every second Saturday of the month.

  • Barcelos: Every last Saturday.

  • Guimarães: Every third Saturday.

  • Valença: Every first Sunday.

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Festas

In Portugal, "festas" are a cherished part of life, embodying the spirit of celebration and community. Every village hosts its own festas, while larger towns boast multiple events throughout the year. Many festas have deep-rooted religious significance, featuring processions that honor local saints or important religious traditions. These celebrations blend spirituality with festivity, as villagers and visitors enjoy a lively mix of food stalls, bars, traditional folklore music, live bands, and open-air discos that keep the party going all night.

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Festas bring together people of all ages, fostering a sense of togetherness and joy unique to Portuguese culture. While we highlight some of the most prominent and distinctive festas here, hundreds more are held across the Minho region that are equally vibrant. For more information on upcoming festas, many villages provide details on their official websites, offering insight into local traditions and events.

 

Feiras Novas is one of the biggest festivals in Portugal, celebrated in Ponte de Lima every September since 1826. Initially a livestock fair, it has evolved into a multi-day event showcasing the rich traditions of the Minho region. The festival includes folklore parades, ethnographic carnival, and musical performances, with participants dressed in traditional Minho attire. The streets come alive with fireworks, concerts, and bullfighting, while local delicacies and vinho verde are widely enjoyed. Feiras Novas is a blend of culture, community, and celebration, attracting almost one million visitors annually.

 

Festas d’Agonia is Viana do Castelo’s largest and most iconic festival, celebrated annually in August to honor Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Our Lady of Agony). This event blends religious devotion with regional traditions, featuring processions, including a maritime one where the statue of the Virgin is carried to the sea for blessing. The festival is renowned for its ethnographic carnival, with locals wearing traditional Minho attire, flower carpets decorating the streets, and fireworks lighting up the skies. Folk music, dancing, artisan markets, and traditional Minho cuisine add to the lively atmosphere, making it a celebration of local culture and faith.

 

The Horse Fair in Ponte de Lima, known as the Feira do Cavalo, is a popular event held every June, celebrating the region's strong equestrian heritage. The fair features dressage, show jumping, and working equitation competitions, showcasing the skills of riders and the beauty of these horses. Breeders, buyers, and horse enthusiasts gather to appreciate this revered Portuguese breed, while visitors enjoy local cuisine, crafts, and cultural performances, including traditional Minho folk music and dancing. The Feira do Cavalo is a lively blend of equestrian culture and regional tradition, offering an authentic experience of northern Portugal's heritage.

 

Holy Week in Brag is Portugal’s most well-known religious events, held during the week leading up to Easter. Known for its solemn processions, the week includes the Procession of the Senhor Ecce Homo, where hooded figures walk barefoot by torchlight, and the Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows, honoring the Virgin Mary's suffering. The city’s historic center is adorned with symbolic lights, flowers, and religious icons, and Baroque churches like Sé de Braga host special masses and events. In addition to religious ceremonies, the week features sacred music concerts, art displays, and traditional foods, offering visitors a moving blend of faith, culture, and history.

 

The Ponte de Lima Vinho Verde Festival, held each June, celebrates the region’s famous Vinho Verde wine through tastings, workshops, and culinary pairings. Hosted at Expolima, the three-day event includes the Concurso de Vinhos Verdes, where local wines compete for top honors. Beyond wine, the festival offers live music, traditional folklore performances, and DJ sets, making it a lively gathering for all ages. Admission is free, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique flavors, local culture, and scenic beauty of Portugal's oldest village​​​​.

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