Municipal Festivities in Honour of São Brás 2026
Terras de Bouro celebrates its municipal festivities in honour of São Brás in early August. The programme brings together religious ceremonies, folklore groups, philharmonic bands and the traditional Passo Travado horse race.
The Municipal Festivities in Honour of São Brás are the biggest celebration in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, the gateway to the Peneda-Gerês National Park. In 2026 the festivities begin on 6 August, drawing residents from every parish in the municipality as well as the thousands of visitors who fill the Gerês region at the height of summer.
The programme blends religious tradition with a strong popular and cultural component. The ceremonies honouring the patron saint São Brás include a solemn mass and procession, accompanied by philharmonic bands from across the region. Throughout the festival days, the centre of Terras de Bouro comes alive with parades of folklore groups from the surrounding parishes — a genuine municipal folklore festival showcasing the costumes, dances and traditional songs of the Minho.
One of the most eagerly awaited highlights is the Corrida de Cavalos de Passo Travado, a unique equestrian tradition of this corner of the Minho in which riders guide their horses along the track at a distinctive restrained gait before an enthusiastic crowd. It is a rare and authentic spectacle that is hard to find at any other Portuguese festival.
For anyone visiting Gerês in August, these festivities are the perfect opportunity to experience the living culture of Terras de Bouro beyond the landscapes of the National Park. Between the musical performances, the food stalls serving regional specialities and the lively street atmosphere, you can sample the best of local gastronomy — from roast kid goat to smoked sausages and corn bread — and enjoy the famous hospitality of the Minho.
Entry is free, as is customary at municipal festivities. Terras de Bouro is around 40 minutes from Braga and only a few minutes from Gerês village, the waterfalls and the hiking trails of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, so it is easy to combine the festival with a day in nature. August is high season in the region, so book accommodation well in advance and check the detailed programme with the Municipality of Terras de Bouro, which publishes the official agenda on its events portal.
