The traditional festivals are an essential part of Trancoso’s identity. It is from them that the village recovers its origins and celebrates its culture. Throughout the year, various festivals are celebrated, each with its own particularity.
Trancoso is transformed by the São Brás festival on February 2nd and 3rd
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During the festivities, the contagious energy surrounds the entire city and its visitors, connecting everyone with tradition and spirituality. In these occasionsthe vibrant culture and beauty merge, creating a captivating atmosphere of joy and fellowship.
With São Brás and São Sebastião in particular, the village hosts the festivities that begin with on the eve of Saints’ Day, January 19th and February 2nd respectively. They are rich rituals, full of meaning and very similar.
Long live Bastião!
The São Sebastião festival in Trancoso begins on January 19th. The celebrations begin with the samba de couro, the traditional drumming of the region, which throughout the night sings songs that tell the stories of the village.
At dawn, the festivities continue with the search for the new sacred mast. During the São Sebastião festival in Trancoso, this mast is changed every year and adorned with new local paintings by the artist Valquito Lima.
the São Sebastião mast is changed every year and adorned with new local paintings by the artist Valquito Lima
After the search for the sacred mast, the São Sebastião festival in Trancoso continues with lunch at noon, the procession mass at the end of the day and, finally, the exchange of the mast with the new flag of the honored saint, painted by local artist Damião Conceição.
When Trancoso wears blue
The São Brás Festival is similar to the São Sebastião Festival, both of which have the same program. The entire village is transformed during the festivities, immersing us in the rich history of the small village and its ecstatic festivities.
more celebrations
New Year and Festival of Kings
In January, New Year’s Eve takes place, which grows every year and features a beautiful fireworks display behind the little church. In the same week, the Festa de Reis takes place on January 6th, a folkloric festival with samba de couro and boi-bumbá.
Iemanjá and Carnival
After the festivals of São Sebastião and São Brás, February sees the Feast of Iemanjá, on February 2, and Carnival.
São João
In June, we have the famous São João, which also includes the changing of the flagpole. The festival also includes a variety of regional foods, forró, bonfires and lots of dancing.
St. Peter’s
At the end of June, there is the Feast of St. Peter, considered the patron saint of fishermen. It’s a modest festival, but one with great significance for the old fishing village. After that, Trancoso follows the national holiday calendar.
In Trancoso, traditional festivals are the soul of the village, reviving its origins and celebrating its culture throughout the year. From the vibrant celebrations of São Sebastião and São Brás to the lively festivities of New Year’s Eve, Festa de Reis, Iemanjá and São João, each event is full of energy and meaning.
These celebrations not only bring the community and visitors together, but also keep Trancoso’s rich history and cultural identity alive, making it a captivating and spiritually enriching place. Visiting and enjoying the village during Trancoso’s São Sebastião festival and other festivities is a unique and life-changing experience.
