The traditional festivities in Matosinhos, which have been celebrated for over 700 years, are set to continue for three weeks, offering a blend of religious ceremonies and recreational, cultural, and sports activities. This year’s event poster, designed by Valter Hugo Mãe, presents a rich program.
A social media announcement by the Matosinhos City Council highlights that “the city will adorn itself with lights, color, and tradition to welcome one of the largest pilgrimages in the North,” confirming performances by artists such as Matias Damásio, Richie Campbell, Dino D’Santiago, and José Pinhal Post-Mortem Experience.
The traditional fireworks display is scheduled for June 7, followed by the “fogo de bonecos” on June 10.
This event is renowned for the artistically decorated altars at the Church of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, a Nasoni temple, from which the procession to Senhor do Padrão will depart on June 8.
The festivities will also include music bands, crafts, a gastronomy area, stalls from the traditional pottery fair, and spaces with carousels, bumper cars, and the popular Portuguese doughnuts known as “farturas.”
“This year, the program offers many reasons to take to the streets. Among the highlights, I would emphasize the fireworks that light up the skies, the beauty of the decorated altars at the Church of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, the Solemn Eucharist, and the grand procession, as well as the concerts,” stated the President of the Matosinhos City Council, Luísa Salgueiro, in an introductory note published in the official festival program.
