Romaria d'Agonia

Every August Viana turns into a sea of gold, colour and music for its great festival.

When: Around 20 August
How long: Several days
In honour of: The fishermen's patron saint
Highlight: The gold and costume parade

Place to see

The Romaria de Nossa Senhora d'Agonia is held every August around the 20th and is one of the largest and most beautiful traditional festivals in Portugal. It honours the patron saint of the fishermen, whose 18th-century chapel stands at the Campo d'Agonia.

For several days the town is full of music, drummers, giant figures and fireworks over the Lima. The highlight is the parade of women in the colourful traditional costumes of the Minho, wearing the gold jewellery of their families, a tradition passed on from mother to daughter.

Don't miss

1The Desfile da Mordomia, the parade of costumes and gold
2The procession to the sea, when the fishermen carry their saint to the water
3The carpets of coloured salt and flowers laid out overnight in the fishermen's quarter
4The fireworks over the river at night

How the festival unfolds

18th century
Fishermen start honouring Nossa Senhora d'Agonia at her chapel, and the festival grows around it.
By day
Drummers, brass bands, giant figures and big-headed dancers fill the streets.
Procession day
Fishermen carry their saint over carpets of coloured salt and flowers, down to the river and out to sea.
By night
Fireworks light up the Rio Lima and the Ponte Eiffel.

Good to know

Check the official programme: dates and times change every year.
The centre is closed to traffic for much of the festival: come by train or on foot.
Find a spot early for the parade and the procession: the best places fill up fast.