Easter in the Minho

In Portugal, Easter is considered as important as Christmas. The Easter celebrations are definitely something to be experienced, especially in Northern Portugal, which Braga is capital. Braga is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, and also the country's religious capital. The Holy Week (Semana Santa) starts on Maundy Thursday (01/04/10) and the festivities last the whole week. Easter and Holy Week are celebrated in Braga as in no other town in Portugal; the streets are lined with candles and colourfully decorated, and daily religious parades in the streets. But the evening procession on Maundy Thursday is a must-see. All the lights in the town are turned off and the “Farricocos”, wearing bright purple tunics and carrying torches, walk through the streets barefoot, their heads covered as a sign of penitence.

Easter is also the perfect time to taste the Portuguese cuisine. After the fasting of Lent, the best specialties are cooked, such as roast kid, lamb stew, meatballs, buns, chocolate and almond eggs.

TAP, Easyjet and Ryanair have regular flights to Porto airport (45min by car from Braga). Prices start from £99 (return).

Four of our houses are available at this time of the year, and all located within half an hour by drive from Braga. Please, see below.