Douro Valley - Local Festivals and Events
Festa de São João in Porto
Festa de São João, celebrated in June, is one of the biggest and most vibrant festivals in the Douro Valley region, particularly in Porto. Although it’s a city festival, it has deep ties to the Douro Valley’s winemaking culture. The celebration includes street parties, music, dancing, and fireworks. One of the highlights is the tradition of tapping people on the head with plastic hammers and releasing lanterns into the sky. The event is a joyful mix of local customs and contemporary entertainment, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Douro Harvest Festival
The Douro Harvest Festival, usually held in September, marks the beginning of the grape harvest season. The event takes place in various villages and quintas throughout the Douro Valley and includes traditional activities like grape picking and foot-treading in stone lagares. Visitors can participate in these hands-on experiences, enjoy local music and dancing, and taste freshly made wines. The harvest festival is an immersive way to connect with the region’s deep-rooted winemaking traditions and to celebrate the community spirit that comes alive during this important time.
Feira de São Martinho in Peso da Régua
Feira de São Martinho is a traditional autumn fair held in Peso da Régua in November. The fair is one of the oldest and most important events in the Douro Valley, featuring agricultural displays, food stalls, and craft markets. The event celebrates the end of the harvest season with local delicacies like roasted chestnuts, sausages, and wine tastings. The fair is an authentic cultural experience that showcases the region’s agricultural heritage and the close-knit community spirit that defines the Douro Valley.
Festa do Vinho do Douro Superior in Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Festa do Vinho do Douro Superior is an annual wine festival that takes place in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, a key town in the Douro Superior sub-region. The event celebrates the wines of this unique part of the Douro Valley, with tastings, competitions, and masterclasses led by winemakers. The festival also includes cultural activities, such as local music performances and art exhibitions. It is an excellent opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the distinctive characteristics of Douro Superior wines and to meet producers from this remote and rugged area.
São Leonardo de Galafura Pilgrimage
The São Leonardo de Galafura Pilgrimage is a religious event that takes place at the scenic viewpoint near Peso da Régua. The pilgrimage is held annually in honor of Saint Leonard and includes a procession, mass, and traditional celebrations. The event draws locals and visitors alike, who gather to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Douro Valley while participating in the religious observances. The pilgrimage is a unique blend of spirituality, local culture, and appreciation for the natural beauty of the region.