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Events
> Via A32
FEAST OF FOGACEIRAS
The Feast of Fogaceiras is the most iconic festival in the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, marked by the devotion of the people of the Lands of Santa Maria. This feast originated with a vow to the martyr St. Sebastian in 1505, when the region was beset by an outbreak of plague that decimated part of the population. In exchange for protection, the people promised the saint the gift of a sweet bread called Fogaça.
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St. Sebastian, who according to legend "suffered from all sufferings" at the time of his martyrdom in the name of the Christian faith, thus became the holy protector of the whole county of Feira.
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In fulfilment of the vow, the offerors joined a procession that left the Paço dos Condes and continued the Church of the Convent of the Holy Spirit (Loios), where the Fogaças were blessed, divided into slices and distributed among the people. Thus was born the Feast of Fogaceiras.
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Celebrated on January 20th each year, this promise constitutes a historical and cultural reference for the Lands of Santa Maria.
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Further information here.
> Via A41
HARVEST FAIR
Whoever travels on the A41 and passes through Arouca can find many reasons for great fun.
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Every year in September, Arouca takes to the streets to celebrate the most symbolic of its festivals: the Harvest Fair.
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During these festival days, the town centre is filled with the bustle of fairs, concerts, exhibitions, and folklore. At the table you can taste delicacies such as meat from the local arouquesa cattle, local breads and sweets from the convents and regional.
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Further information here.
> Via A43
NUT FESTIVAL
If you travel on the A43, go through Gondomar and you will find many reasons for a lively stay, as a result of the many popular events taking place throughout all months of the year.
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For more than 300 years, the most important popular event in the district, called Pilgrimage of "NOssa Senhora do Rosario São Cosme e São Damião", has taken place in October in the parish of Gondomar (S. Cosme). It is also more irreverently and colloquially known as the "Nut Festival".
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Further information here.
