Marvão in November - Chestnut Festival

The chestnut is probably one of the first foods eaten by man and dates back to prehistoric times. The chestnut tree was first introduced to Europe via Greece.

In Portugal as well as other Catholic countries in Europe, chestnuts are traditionally eaten on Saint Martin's Day which is on the 11th November. "Fire, nuts and wine," is the popular saying.  Celebrations in honor of this generous saint, one of the most popular in the West, warm the heart and make you forget how cold it is already being felt at this time of year.

Marvão, Alto Alentejo in Autumn is a beautiful place to visit, enjoy the colour of the countryside and take a walk in the stunning hills of the Serra de São Mamede. Join the celebrations of the Chestnut fair (Feira da Castanha / Festa do Castanheiro) held on the second weekend of November. The streets are lined with stalls selling genuine Portuguese handcrafts, artists demonstrating their traditional skills, various street artists and folk music and of course chestnuts and delicious chestnut cakes.
Another attraction is the Chestnut Gourmet Food Fortnight which runs 1-16 November, with participating restaurants in the area.

A stay at the 'self-catering cottage' Casa do Brasão is an excellent way to go. It can sleep up to six people, has a garden, terrace, patio and wood-burning stove.
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