Festivals of Póvoa de Varzim

There are several religious or popular celebrations (the Festa), pilgrimages (romarias) and processions (procissão) in Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal.

[1] Around this date, the neighbourhood windows are decorated; and, on the night of 28th to 29th the population gets together in celebration, dancing and eating by the light of fires (fogueiras).

These days, the population behaves very much like football supporters, and occasionally there are some disturbances when fans defend their preferred neighbourhood; but the competition is usually very healthy.

Families, having previously emigrated to the United States and beyond, have been known to come back to Povoa, time and again, simply to relish the spectacular feelings of excitement and community present at this festival.

The remains of such organized events are now celebrated spontaneously by the common people who gather for a parade in Avenida dos Banhos.

Despite not having any sort of advertising or media coverage, Póvoa's "Spontaneous Carnival" (Carnaval dos espontâneos) started to attract thousands of people.

Mostly, the worshippers of this saint make promises, notably fishermen of the municipalities of Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde.

Traditional festival dress during a parade in Avenida dos Banhos.
Throne of Saint Peter of Matriz Neighbourhood for the festivities of the year 2005.
Saint's Rock. Near the rock, the Santo André Chapel was built in the 16th century; however, this place shows evidence the work of man since, at least, the Roman era.