Colors of Guimaraes - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Guimarães is a unique city for Portugal. This is where its "birth" as a state occurred. This was possible thanks to Afonso Henriques who is called the "First King". He was lucky to be born in this beautiful city. It was he who proclaimed the independence of Portugal from Castile and León in the 12th century. Of course, the new king's hometown has become the capital of the new state. And though Lisbon has subsequently become the main city, locals are still very proud that Guimaraes had served as the capital, albeit for a short time. This fact is yet again evidenced by the inscription in the eponymous castle - Aqui Nasceu Portugal.

Locals are good-natured, positive, and cheerful people. You can always ask for help if it's needed - they simply cannot refuse, it is against their principles. Friendship for them is not just a word, but “a way of life”. They know how to be good friends like nobody else and never leave a friend in need, even if requires sacrificing any principles. This is because friendship is one of the most important values in the lives of local residents. Just like the family, to which they devote much of their time.

Local cuisine is very diverse and satisfying. Must-try dishes include "cabrito asado" (roast lamb), "rojões" (pork with wine and spices), "arroz de cabidela" (poultry meat with rice), "bacalao asado" (baked cod), “tortas de Guimaraes” (puff pastry pies) and “toucinho do céu” (almond cake). Of course, the most popular alcoholic drink is port wine, which is widely associated with Northern Portugal. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Festivals taking place in the city invariably attract many visitors because Portuguese know how to party like nowhere else in the world. Due to this, everybody knows that a festival held in any Portuguese city will a priori be fun. Guimarães Jazz can be called the most famous event in the festival life of the city. This is one of the best jazz festivals in all of Europe, which has already won the hearts of many fans of this genre. Among its headliners are musicians who have already made a name for themselves. However, here you can also listen to those who are just starting their way on the world stage. The venue is Centro Cultural Vila Flor, which is located on Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 701.

Another significant event in the cradle of Portuguese statehood is called Festas Gualterianas. The event falls on the beginning of August. The event is dedicated to the celebration of the patron saint of the city, Saint Gualter. Central streets, gardens, and sculptures at this time are consecrated with colored lights that adorn them like holy light protecting the city from all evils. The brightest activities held on this day include processions and a chariot parade, a craft fair with hand-made products, music concerts, fashion shows, horse racing, and festive fireworks marking the end of the event.

Festival of Nossa Senhora do Carmo is another interesting event taking place in the city. At this time, it is customary to make a pilgrimage to Mount Peña to pay homage to the holy patroness. The holiday is held on July 16. Besides the pilgrimage, festive activities include picnicking in the camping area with a very fun program, which is not complete without a positive mood, songs, and dances. Here you will find food stalls where you can buy some local specialties. In general, the holiday turns out to be welcoming and family-friendly.

In September, all fans of the Middle Ages will be happy to witness the opening of Feira Afonsina where they can buy all kinds of attributes from the era when knights fought for the hearts of beautiful ladies. In general, at this time the city's atmosphere fully corresponds to those times. Only visitors' clothes and parked cars remind us that it's the 21st century. The fair has already won hundreds of fans around the world, those who love interesting things and a festive atmosphere, without which the fair cannot be considered open.

The city has two interesting festivals related to students. The first one takes place in late November and is called the Nicolini Festivals. At this time, at night you can see the colorful procession with the so-called "pine" followed by a week of parties. Then Maçãzinhas starts, which always falls on December 6. This is a kind of invitation for a date - during the festival, girls play the role of a window or balcony, which are presented apples on top of the cane by young men. If the invitation is accepted, girls give the apple back along with some surprise. In a word, the festival is an over 300-year-old tradition, which yet again confirms that tribute to the traditions is all for Portuguese.