Chestnut Tradition
History of João Neves - Paraiba, Brasil
Magusto is a festival between October and November, associated with dates such as Saint Simon's Day, All Saints' Day and Saint Martin's Day. It is celebrated around bonfires, roasting chestnuts with jeropiga, açaí or new wine. The brave jump over the bonfire, and "filling" it with ashes is part of the tradition. Despite the rain in autumn, "Saint Martin's summer" brings sunshine. The legend of Saint Martin, related to a rainy day, explains this phenomenon. A specific tradition, the "Magusto da Velha", takes place in Aldeia de Viçosa on December 26, honoring a rich old woman with the throwing of chestnuts from the bell tower and prayers. The event in Barqueiros, Mesão Frio, connects magusto to ancient rituals in honor of the dead... Did you know?
Em Portugal, festividades de magusto reúnem a população para celebrar com castanhas e vinho. Em Vila do Conde, incluem roscas de pão de trigo e nozes, enquanto em várias regiões do Minho, a matança do porco é celebrada com um magusto significativo.- by Deyse Joaquim, Brasil
