The “New Fairs” or Feiras Novas 2024 in Portugal

The traditional celebration of the end of the harvest

Dates: September 4–9, 2024

Never-ending feasts, fairs, and open-air parties. Thousand of visitors spill out onto the streets of Ponte de Lima for several days. Entertainment for all tastes is available here, from livestock contests to the running of the "garranos" (wild horses) and the majestic procession of Nossa Senhora das Dores (Our Lady of Sorrows) — the patron saint of fishermen. The celebration then continues with folklore shows, boat racing, arts and crafts' doll processions, drummers, and fireworks.

Festival Entertainment

The Feiras Novas offers three days and nights of fun, color, joy, revelry and music. The parties emerge spontaneously, with people singing and dancing on every corner of the village, which makes the Feiras Novas a very authentic experience considered the "largest live congress of popular culture in Portugal." The fair takes place after the harvests in September and usually falls on the 3rd weekend, notable for numerous feasts, fairs, and open-air parties. This festival ends the cycle of religious festivals of Alto Minho.

Throughout its run, the streets of the city are filled to the brim with concertina players, who noodle around on their instruments, giving passersby a taste of Portuguese music. Music festival "Viva as Feiras Novas" annually unfolds at Expolima during several days of the celebration, showcasing numerous local musicians and performers. The culmination of the festivities is the fireworks display on several nights of Feiras Novas.

Livestock Events

While music is an integral part of the Feiras Novas, livestock competition is just as important. Bulls, chickens, cattle, and sheep are brought onto the stage of Expolima, impressing the crowds with their variety. Known as one of the best livestock competitions in the country, it's followed by a celebratory parade through Alameda de São João.

History of the Festival

Feiras Novas has been celebrated since 1826 when it was founded by the royal regiment of D. Pedro IV to honor Our Lady of Sorrows. Before that, the "old fair" took place every fortnight in Ponte de Lima since 1125. If you've wanted to experience Portuguese culture firsthand, Feiras Novas offers an amazing opportunity to do just that.