St Martin’s Day in Portugal
Portuguese families gathered around a bonfire, roasting chestnuts and sharing Jeropiga wine during St. Martin’s Day (Magusto) celebrations
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November in Portugal carries the scent of roasting chestnuts and the warmth of smouldering bonfires. Families come together on the 11th of November to celebrate Dia de São Martinho - St. Martin’s Day - sharing castanhas (chestnuts), and sipping Jeropiga, a fortified wine that perfectly complements the season’s chill. Known as Magusto, this celebration’s name likely stems from the Latin magnus ustus, or “great fire.”
But who was St. Martin?
Martin of Tours was a 4th-century Roman soldier born in 315 AD in present-day Hungary. He was a Gallic Knight, and one day, he was returning home on horseback after a battle in the middle of a severe storm.
On his way, he found a nearly naked beggar who asked for help. Martin had no money or food with him, but he wore a long cape, which he cut in half with his sword. He gave half to the beggar to protect him from the cold.
According to the legend, right at that moment, the storm passed, the sun started to shine, and Jesus said to the angels, “Here is Martin, the Roman soldier who is not baptised; he has clothed me.” Unknown to Martin, the beggar was Jesus. It was considered a miracle, and the knight became a saint: Saint Martin - Sao Martinho.
He is also considered to be the patron saint of soldiers and conscientious objectors.
Over the centuries, St. Martin's Day has evolved into a celebration of the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It is also a day to celebrate the maturation of the year’s wine production.
Throughout the winter season, roasted chestnuts can be bought from street vendors, usually sold by the dozen in a paper cone – and they’re delicious!
Portugal is steeped in charming traditions like this one. Find out more about investing in Portugal, contact our knowledgeable and professional team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Portugal Property – part of one of the world’s most trusted and respected corporations.
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Published in: Guide to Portugal / Miscellaneous / Portuguese Life