The calendar indicates that in 2025, there is only one Friday the 13th, which will be celebrated in June.
In the town of Montalegre, located in the north of the Vila Real district, preparations are being finalized for Friday the 13th, also known as the witches’ night. Mythical and legendary figures, both large and small, are already scattered throughout the streets, welcoming visitors.
The festivities envelop the streets of Montalegre, yet the castle remains a central attraction where Amélia Santos has been operating her artisan shop, Barrosarte, for the past 14 years.
“It’s a great business opportunity; this event essentially compensates for the weaker months I experience throughout the year,” she stated.
For this artist, Friday the 13th is “the top, the number one event” for the municipality.
Inside her shop, she offers personalized items that highlight the region’s landscapes and events. The shop features t-shirts, capes, and cloth bags adorned with witch designs, as well as mugs, magnets, plates, and clay figures.
“Witches personalized in my own way,” she emphasized, noting that while her products sell throughout the year, the peak occurs on Fridays the 13th.
Across the street, Rui Madeira from Tasca do Açougue remarked that the event is an “extra that helps balance things out.” “It’s very good,” he highlighted.
For over half a year, the restaurant, which accommodates around 50 patrons, has been fully booked. Outside, drinks are sold until the event concludes, ranging from beer to the traditional “queimada,” a concoction made with aguardente, lemon, apple, cinnamon, and sugar.
The greatest challenge, he pointed out, is recruiting staff to assist during that day.
“A lot of people come through here—on Friday the 13th, people are everywhere. It’s beneficial for us, it’s good for the economy, and it’s good for everyone,” he expressed.
Near the town square, Armando Medeiros, from the Polo Norte snack bar, plans to bolster stock with 40 barrels of beer, spirits, water, and juice, and is preparing to roast 15 pigs on the spit to sell sandwiches. Improvised grills and counters will be set up on the street.
“It’s one of the festivals that bring the most people to Montalegre and it’s beneficial for everyone; it’s great for business,” he mentioned.
Montalegre’s Mayor, Fátima Fernandes, anticipates a “crowd” for the only Friday the 13th of the year, noting that while restaurants are already fully booked, street spaces will be available for meals and drinks.
She highlighted that the event represents a business opportunity for restaurants, tourist accommodations, and hotels in the municipality, as well as for neighboring regions.
“Therefore, it generates a very, very significant amount in one night, which also extends into the weekend and has lasting effects throughout the year,” she stated.
The president remarked that this is “a very ancient land, steeped in history and tradition, which draws on its history and Celtic legacy to attract many people.”
The festivities kick off at 13:13, with highlights including Father António Fontes performing the traditional “queimada” and a pyromusical show. In Montalegre, it is believed that those who drink Father Fontes’ queimada will be warded off from misfortunes for the year.
“We have a diverse, enticing program designed to appeal to the imagination of each visitor passing through Montalegre,” Fátima Fernandes stated.
On that day, there will be continuous entertainment, featuring over 50 characters in the town’s streets, including witches, fairies, goblins, or werewolves, along with a variety of music.
The witches’ night has been celebrated every Friday the 13th since 2002 and has become one of Montalegre’s trademarks.
