Magusto festival in Portugal 2025

Magusto is a traditional folk holiday that is celebrated in different parts of the country, either on Saint Simon's Day (September 29), on All Saints' Day (November 1), or on Saint Martin's Day (November 11). It is customary for friends and families to gather around a Majusto (or bonfire) to roast chestnuts and drink new wine made from the recent harvest.

Magusto Meaning

Generally, the word “magusto” comes from the Latin “magnus ustus” and means “big fire,” so the celebrations are marked by bonfire gatherings of close friends and families.

Traditional Food

If you are in Portugal during the fall, you will meet numerous magustos festivities, where you can feel the smell of baked chestnuts and relish the traditional jeropiga, água-pé, and alcohol drinks resembling brandy. During the festival, various foods have been integrated, such as sausages and other products made from pig slaughter. A great traditional delicacy in this region, grilled sardines, are also served during festivities.

Festivities

Throughout the festival, the streets are usually packed with young people. Ritually, the boys bring the wine, and the girls bring the chestnuts. The bonfires are typically lit with pine needles and sticks, and the chestnuts are roasted directly in the fire. The adults sing and dance, jumping over the fire while children play wildly to dirt their faces with ash and soot. Magusto, as a nice family holiday, is especially appreciated in Lisbon, Beira Baixa (especially Alcains), northern Trás-os-Montes, Penafiel and Golegã.

Magusto and St Martins Day

The festivities coincide with the celebration of St. Martin, who was known for his generosity. According to legend, one rainy day, Martin found a beggar who was very cold. Without hesitation, Martin cut his cloak in half with a sword and gave half to the beggar. After that, the rain immediately stopped, the sun came out, and the story of Saint Martin became a legend and a symbol of generosity and mercy. In addition to the generosity associated with the legend, Saint Martin is also known as the patron saint of winegrowers.

You should visit Magusto in Portugal if you are:

– a connoisseur of Portuguese wine and gastronomy (you can try roasted chestnuts or grilled sardines);

– someone who wants to feel the atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese family holiday;

– a traveler who loves to study the country through its local traditions and get to know the locals;

– someone who likes to sit by the fire and listen to interesting stories.