High atop the rugged cliffs of the Serra de São Mamede, the medieval village of Marvão prepares to don its festive cloak once again. On November 8th and 9th, the 41st edition of the Festa do Castanheiro – Feira da Castanha will transform this historic enclave into a vibrant homage to the humble chestnut — a fruit that has nourished generations and shaped the soul of the region.
🏰 A Village Steeped in History
Marvão is no ordinary village. With its stone ramparts, winding alleys, and panoramic views stretching into Spain, it has long been a sentinel of Portuguese heritage. Founded in the 9th century by Ibn Marwan, the village has witnessed centuries of cultural fusion, resilience, and reverence for the land. And among its most cherished traditions is the celebration of the chestnut harvest — a ritual that binds past and present in a warm embrace.
🌰 The Queen of Autumn Returns
This year’s festival promises an abundance of flavor and festivity. Four tonnes of locally grown chestnuts and 1,000 liters of wine will be shared across three traditional magustos — communal bonfire gatherings where chestnuts are roasted, stories are swapped, and laughter fills the air.
The event kicks off Saturday morning with the blessing of the chestnut, a symbolic gesture honoring the fruit’s role in sustaining rural life. From there, the village bursts into life with artisanal markets, culinary showcases, and performances that echo the rhythms of Portuguese folklore — from bombos and cante alentejano to circus arts and fanfares.
🎶 Music, Magic, and Local Soul
Saturday’s musical lineup features Toka & Dança, a dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity, followed by Marvão’s own Os Sabugueiros, whose interactive concert promises humor, energy, and local pride.
On Sunday, the spotlight turns to ÁTOA, the acclaimed band from Évora, bringing their tour Noites Mágicas, Manhãs Trágicas to Marvão’s main stage. Their platinum hit “Tu na Tua” will surely echo through the village’s ancient stones, blending contemporary pop with timeless emotion.
The day also includes a solemn Eucharist at the Church of Santiago, where offerings honor the chestnut tree — a sacred symbol of endurance and generosity.
🥘 A Feast Beyond the Festival
The celebration doesn’t end with the weekend. From November 8th to 23rd, the Quinzena Gastronómica da Castanha invites visitors to explore chestnut-inspired dishes across fifteen local restaurants. Whether in hearty stews, delicate desserts, or inventive pairings, the chestnut takes center stage in a culinary tribute to autumn’s bounty.
🌳 The Chestnut as Cultural Icon
At the heart of the festival lies the Castanha Marvão-Portalegre DOP — a protected designation of origin that honors the unique varieties grown in the region’s ancient groves: bárea, colarinha, and bravo. These chestnuts are more than ingredients; they are living expressions of terroir, tradition, and identity.
Visitors to the magusto do Terreiro will have the chance to taste and learn about these varieties, discovering the subtle differences that make them so prized — from texture and sweetness to the stories embedded in each shell.
❤️ A Celebration with Purpose
Entry to the festival costs just two euros (free for children under 12), with all proceeds supporting the Associação Humanitária dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Marvão. It’s a beautiful reminder that community care is woven into every aspect of the celebration.
Whether you’re drawn by the scent of roasted chestnuts, the pulse of folk music, or the timeless charm of Marvão’s stone streets, the Festa do Castanheiro offers a soulful escape into Portugal’s cultural heart. Come for the flavor, stay for the legacy — and let the spirit of the chestnut guide you home.
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