Dia da Sao Martinho

Dia da São Martinho – Saint Martin - is celebrated on the 11th November.

Celebrated throughout Portugal, this annual event pays homage to the saint who, on a cold and blustery November night, shared his cape with a poor stranger. The day is toasted with new wine tasting and roasted chestnuts – a Portuguese speciality

The legend goes that São Martinho was a brave soldier. On this day, a long time ago, he saw a poor beggar shivering with cold and without hesitation he handed him over his warm military cloak.

As a reward God made the sun shine through the clouds, and in remembrance of his generosity, on this day every year the days get a little warmer.