Magusto with Tradition and Flavor: Celebrating Autumn in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

M. Araújo
4 days ago
3 min read

There's a special magic to autumn in Trás-os-Montes: the fresh mountain air, the aroma of fireplaces starting to light, and the scent of roasted chestnuts heralding the season of magustos (roast chestnuts). Between harvesting new olive oil and tasting new wine, celebrating São Martinho is also celebrating the cycle of life and the earth—with human warmth, sharing, and flavor. wikipedia+2

Origins and Symbolism of Magusto

The tradition of magusto (magusto) stems from the ancient connection between man and nature. In the first weeks of November, families and neighbors gather around the bonfire from north to south of the country to share roasted chestnuts, jeropiga (a traditional Portuguese drink), água-pé (sweet wine), and new wine, prolonging the agricultural spirit of the harvest. folclore+2

In Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, the magusto is a true tribute to the gifts of the land — olive oil, wine and chestnuts — symbols of identity and continuity. 24noticias.sapo+1

Transmontano Traditions

From Bragança to Carrazeda de Ansiães, from Vinhais to Vila Flor, the Magusto is synonymous with popular celebration. Fairs and gatherings celebrating the new olive oil are multiplying, with tastings in wineries, producers' markets and walks through olive groves and chestnut chestnut groves. Entertainment, traditional music and the inevitable "magusto smoke" fill the village squares and squares, while people sample chestnuts, chouriça and jeropiga made from grapes from the Douro slopes.. lisboasecreta+1

Chestnuts and New Olive Oil – A Perfect Match

The flavor of new olive oil is one of the first rewards of autumn in Trás-os-Montes. Still fresh, slightly spicy and fruity, it pairs perfectly with the seasonal fruit — chestnuts. Simple and delicious ideas to try:

Roasted chestnuts with olive oil and rosemary, sprinkled with fleur de sel; intrusanacozinha.blogspot
Chestnuts sautéed with olive oil, garlic and aromatic herbs; holmesplace
Chestnut purée with a drizzle of virgin olive oil and black pepper, ideal with grilled meat.

New Wine, Água-Pé and Jeropiga

On the farms of the Alto Douro, November is also a time to taste new wine. The presses have rested, the must has turned into wine, and the occasion is celebrated with tastings and magustos (a traditional Portuguese wine feast) at local wineries and wine tours.

Água-pé (sweet wine) and jeropiga (a traditional Portuguese wine) continue to be the center of conversation and laughter around the campfire, reinforcing the connection between agricultural traditions and rural life. cruzeiros-douro+2

To Experience Magusto in the North (Agenda 2025)

These are some dates already confirmed for those who want to plan an autumn weekend in Trás-os-Montes:

November 2 – Mondim de Basto: Traditional Magusto in the historic center, with music, wine and chestnuts. visit.mondimdebasto
November 8 – Fermentãos (Bragança): Community Magusto with local products and popular entertainment. facebook
November (date to be announced) – Casa de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (Lisbon): Annual Magusto that brings together the Transmontana diaspora. ctmad
Between September 29th and November 11th: Local Magustos and São Martinho festivals throughout the northern interior, celebrating the harvests and new wine. rove

Autumn Itinerary Suggestion

Day 1: Tour of an olive grove during harvest, tasting of new olive oil, and a regional lunch with chestnuts and jeropiga.

Day 2: Hike through centuries-old groves, visit a traditional olive press, and participate in a community magusto (magusto).

Between the flavor of olive oil, the smoke of chestnuts, and the laughter around the campfire, the region reminds us of the essential: the simple joy of roots, the land, and community.

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