Santa Eufémia Festivities 2026 — Gerês Village
Gerês village celebrates its patron saint, Santa Eufémia, from 21 to 23 August 2026. Three nights of live music with Rosinha, Banda Myllenium and Zé Amaro, plus religious ceremonies and street entertainment in the spa town.
Every summer, the spa village of Gerês dresses up to honour its patron saint, Santa Eufémia. In 2026 the festivities run from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August, turning the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park into a stage for music, devotion and community celebration.
This edition's musical line-up promises three lively nights. On Friday 21 August, the stage belongs to Rosinha, one of the most popular names in Portuguese popular music. On Saturday 22 August, Banda Myllenium takes over, guaranteeing dancing late into the night. The closing night, Sunday 23 August, features Zé Amaro, the well-known country-inspired singer who draws huge crowds at festivals across Portugal.
Beyond the concerts, the programme includes the traditional religious component, with a mass and procession in honour of Santa Eufémia through the streets of the village, as well as cultural activities and street entertainment across the three days. The streets of Gerês fill with people, festive lights and the unmistakable atmosphere of a Minho summer romaria.
Visiting the Santa Eufémia festivities is also the perfect excuse to discover Gerês village at its best. During the day, explore the waterfalls and hiking trails of the National Park, swim in the Caniçada reservoir or unwind in the historic thermal baths that made the village famous. In the late afternoon, join the party: sample regional dishes at the food stalls, from roast kid goat to Barrosã veal, and let the music carry you late into the night.
Entry to the festivities is free. August is the busiest month in Gerês, so book accommodation well in advance — the village and nearby hamlets sell out quickly at this time of year. Access is easy by car from Braga (around 45 minutes), and arriving early is recommended to find parking. Check the full programme and any changes with the organisers before your visit.
