Braga (Portugal) is an ancient, religious city, whose history has been going on for two thousand years. During this time, Celts, Bulgarians, Romans and Moors lived on the territory of the city. It was here that the first Portuguese king Afonso Henriques was born. The local population is characterized by conservatism and piety, it is not surprising that Braga is considered the religious center of Portugal, where the bishop’s residence is located. The city hosts many religious events, and during Easter week, altars are set up and decorated in the streets.
General information
The city of Braga in Portugal is the center of the district and municipality of the same name. Located 50 km from Porto, towards the basin between the Esti and Cavado rivers. It is home to more than 137 thousand people and 174 thousand including the entire agglomeration.
In the territory of Braga, people settled in the III century BC, at this time Celtic tribes lived here. Later, in the 14th century AD, the Romans settled here, who founded a city called Bracara Augusta. The Romans were driven out of the settlement by barbarians, who were replaced by Moors. In the 11th century, Braga came under the control of the Portuguese, and at the beginning of the 16th century it received the status of a city of archbishops.
Braga is called Portuguese Rome, because the city was the capital of the Roman province of Gallecia.
In addition to being a religious center, Braga is a university and industrial city. You can also find a sufficient number of restaurants, bars and night clubs here.
The sights of Braga are described in a separate article, and here we will talk about the color of the city and how to get to it.
The Colours of Braga – Festivals and Entertainment
Despite being religious and devout, the locals are very cheerful and like to relax as much as to work. The city hosts fairs, fascinating rituals, and holidays.
Freedom Day
The national holiday is celebrated annually in the spring-April 25 throughout the country. On this day in 1974, thousands of people with red carnations in their hands took to the streets of the capital to overthrow the fascist regime of Antonio Salazar. They gave the soldiers flowers in exchange for weapons.
The revolution is considered bloodless, although four people were killed. Over the past two years, there have been global changes in Portugal, the regime has changed. Since then, April 25 is the most important day in the history of the state. The celebration is very fun and magnificent, in many cities of Portugal bullfighting is held, which, by analogy with the revolution, is also bloodless. Unlike in Spanish bullfighting, where the matador kills the animal, in Portugal the bull remains alive.
Good Friday
Given that the city of Braga is the religious center of the country, special attention is paid to church holidays here. On Good Friday, the streets of the city are transformed and resemble a medieval settlement. Locals in ancient clothes come out with torches. Pilgrims walk through the streets in black robes and hoods. Tourists and guests of the city are shown theatrical performances on the Biblical theme.
Feast of John the Baptist
Celebrate this day in early summer, but the main celebrations are held at night from 23 to 24 June. In documents, the first mention of the holiday dates back to the 14th century, but historians suggest that the celebrations were held earlier.
St. John the Baptist’s Day is celebrated in the city in a grand way. The streets are decorated, special attention is paid to the historical part of Braga. Local residents gather on the banks of the Eshti River, and theatrical performances about the Epiphany of the Lord are held in the park and on the main avenue. On this night, the town of Braga is visited by villagers, who walk all the way, playing ancient musical instruments.
Celebrations are accompanied by fairs and treats. Tourists are invited to try fried sardines with a slice of black bread, traditional cabbage soup and drink a treat with green wine.
On June 24, ensembles pass through the streets of the city, passing beautifully decorated platforms on which huge figures of shepherds and King David are installed. Also among the figures must be important for Braga saints-Peter, John and Anthony of Padua.
On a note! If time permits, check out the tiny town of Guimaraes near Braga. What to see in it and why to go, read this article.
Independence Restoration Day
It is celebrated annually on December 1, and is very revered by the inhabitants of Portugal. The younger generation pays special attention to the celebrations, they organize processions with fireworks, concerts and noisy parties.
Immaculate Conception Day
The celebration takes place on December 8. Many confuse it with the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary. In fact, in winter, Braga celebrates the immaculate conception of the Madonna herself. According to the dogma, the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin, so God saved her from original sin.
The date of December 8 was set by the Pope at the end of the 15th century, since then it has been celebrated by all Catholics, and in some countries the day is set as a weekend.
Interesting fact! The Virgin Mary is the patron saint of Portugal, and masses and religious processions are held in the streets of all cities. In Braga, one of the avenues is named after the significant day – the Immaculate Conception Avenue.
Christmas
This is a holiday with a long history, traditions have been formed over the centuries, many have become part of the past, but new ones always appear. For example, in Braga you will definitely be treated to a glass of Musket liqueur. The main thing is to remember the insidiousness of this alcoholic drink and not get carried away with liquor. During the Christmas period, Braga plays appropriate music, and the streets of the city resemble beautiful movie sets.
Interesting to know! Braga is also celebrating the International Museum Day, which includes a night at the museum event. The event attracts tourists, because the city has many museums with educational exhibits and collections.
Useful tips for tourists
- Remember that the local population is not very punctual. At the same time, the inhabitants of Portugal are very responsive and kind people who are ready to fulfill the tourist’s request, but not always at the agreed time.
- If you are going to have dinner, remember that almost all restaurants and cafes close at 22-00. If you want to eat later, you’ll have to look for a place that is ready to receive visitors at a later time.
- Braga officially has the lowest crime rate in Portugal, but when there are large crowds, it is best to remain vigilant and always keep your personal belongings with you. It is also not recommended to put valuables in your pockets when you are about to take public transport.
- If you are used to living comfortably when traveling, pay attention to the ancient castles that now receive visitors. There are rooms worthy of the royal family, but the number of such hotels is small and you need to book a place in them a few weeks before the trip.
- In Portuguese cities, and Braga is no exception, it is customary to leave tips in public places, taxi drivers and at the hotel. The amount of remuneration, as a rule, is from 5 to 10 % of the total amount, but not less than 0.5 euros.
- If you plan to move around the city by car, be careful, as local drivers are not used to following the rules on the roads. They are not afraid of even monetary fines for violations.
- Always carry a passport or any document that confirms your identity, but it is better to keep jewelry and money in a special storage room, they are available in every hotel.
- In large shopping centers and expensive restaurants, you can pay with a credit card. In the spontaneous markets and souvenir shops of Braga, you can buy goods only for cash, while you can bargain, it is likely that you will be able to reduce the price.
Interesting facts
- There is a legend that the first bishop of Braga was St. Peter in the 50-60 years AD. However, most historians call this fact erroneous. It is true that the first bishop of the city was Peter, but this priest was born in Ratische and lived around the 11th century AD.
- The bells that are cast in Braga are known for their clear and expressive sound. Many famous cathedrals order their bells in Braga. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris has bells from this city in Portugal.
- The Archbishop’s palace houses the oldest library in Portugal, which consists of 10,000 manuscripts and 300,000 valuable books.
- Services in all churches of the city are held according to two rites – Roman Catholic and Braga.
- Braga FC finished fourth in the Portuguese League for five consecutive seasons, from 2014/15 to 2018/19. But the team has never been a winner
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