Vila Nova de Gaia – Tours
How to Be one of Us?
Our people are the essence of Gaia, and by interacting with the local community, you can experience the authenticity of life in Gaia! Pay attention to how we speak and make gestures, and discover our secrets… Can you imagine what it’s like to enjoy a chilled “fino” (local beer) while exchanging “bitaites” (chit-chat) with friends?
Visit us and get to know the essence of Vila Nova de Gaia through mingling with the locals! Discover the places where the community gathers and where you can breathe in the vibrant Gaia culture.
Feel like one of us during your visit!
Essentials tips to Be one of Us
Expressions are examples of a community’s culture… and Gaia is no exception! Try to identify some of these during your visit:
- Fino – draft beer served in a tall, narrow glass;
- Bitaites – opinions and comments on a subject;
- Meu amor – an affectionate way to address someone;
- Alapar – to sit down;
- Comer o caco – to confuse someone;
- Laurear a pevide – to stroll without worries;
- Molete – a small bread;
- Encher a mula – satisfy hunger;
- Cimbalino – espresso coffee;
- Pingo – coffee with milk;
- Meia de Leite – coffee with milk served in a large cup;
- Camioneta – Bus.
Now that you know some of our expressions, try using them in your day-to-day life in Vila Nova de Gaia, and immerse yourself in our culture!
The markets that are part of our daily life
Throughout our territory, you’ll find places where the people of Gaia gather and socialize! It’s safe to say it’s part of our DNA.
You can buy various products in these spaces, from fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish to clothing and kitchen utensils.
But more than just shopping venues, these places represent one of the best ways to “catch up.” Finding out the latest city news, discussing current events, or simply engaging in lively conversation for entertainment is something we love when strolling through Gaia’s markets and fairs.
For this reason, we claim that by visiting these spaces, you’ll experience the true essence of the people of Gaia and uncover the secrets of our culture.
But where will you be warmly welcomed?
Discover how you can unlock the full potential of your experience by taking advantage of these three incredible places!
Markets
1. Beira-Rio Market
The Beira-Rio Market is a proper place for sharing and socializing, whether through the simple purchase of fresh products like vegetables and fruits or in a moment among friends with good wine and a splendid board of cured meats… This is where you can hear the stories of the city told by those who know it best. This is where you can learn about local traditions and customs. This is where you can feel the soul of Gaia.
This building, constructed in 1904, is a gem of Gaia… here, you’ll get lost amid our people’s voices and the Portuguese cuisine flavors! Tip: Test your knowledge and order a “molete“ or simply sit down and “encha a mula.
Markets
2. Afurada Market
In the land of fishermen, the Afurada Market is the ideal place to buy fresh fish! Here, you may hear expressions like “Meu amor” look at the fresh fish,” or exchange some “bitaites” (chit-chat) about societal topics with our people.
This market was inaugurated in 1937 and was completely renovated in 2017. It’s a spacious and modern building with around 1,000 square meters of space where the smells of the products fill the air, and the voices of the community echo through the market…
The Afurada Market is a must-visit place for anyone exploring Gaia!
Markets
3. Carvalhos Street Market
Are you visiting Gaia? Is it a Wednesday? You’re lucky!
The Carvalhos Street Market is one of the oldest and most significant traditional markets in Gaia. It’s a long tradition to reserve Wednesdays for shopping or enjoy the lively atmosphere. If you speak to any local from Gaia, you’ll find that their memories of the Carvalhos Street Market return to their childhood.
Once you arrive, you’ll be amazed by the market size. The streets are filled with local vendors offering various products, from fruits and dishes to clothing and shoes. It’s challenging to find something that isn’t available here.
You’ll feel like you’re part of the environment in just a few minutes. The merchants’ calls will resonate in your heart. Because here, it’s not just about selling; customer satisfaction is paramount. The currency of exchange is the gaze and smile, forming moments of profound friendship.
If you’re not fortunate enough to be in Gaia on a Wednesday, don’t despair! We have other street fairs where you can immerse yourself, such as the Canidelo, Arcozelo, or Vilar de Andorinho Street Markets (which take place on Sunday mornings), the Vilar do Paraíso Street Market (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 07:00 | 13:00), or the Afurada Street Market (Saturday mornings).
We have (countless!!) popular saints' festivals throughout the year
You will quickly realize that in Gaia, we love to celebrate life! For this reason, we have several festivals and religious festivities throughout the year! These are moments of socializing where EVERYONE is welcome! When you’re visiting Gaia, join us and be happy! In fact, the more festivals, the merrier, correct?
Whether at the beginning of the year with the celebrations of São Gonçalo and São Cristóvão or in June during São João, these festivities celebrate religion and faith… and the simple community gathering… you can experience the Gaian culture and the traditions of the locals!
Need help figuring out where to start? Don’t worry. We highlight 3 festivals that you absolutely cannot miss!
Popular Saints' Festivals
1. São João
This festival celebrates São João but is an event of a widespread nature! It takes place from June 23rd to the 24th… and on that night, the streets come to life with the voices of the community, the aromas of grilled sardines and leeks, and the sound of little plastic hammers.
Thousands of people gather in the streets just to have fun. The night reaches its climax when the fireworks begin at midnight. It is a true masterpiece that paints the night with lively, cheerful colors and captivates the eyes of those watching in the streets. It’s a spectacle that evokes feelings, occasionally moves, and simply amazes us.
But the party doesn’t stop there! On the 24th, a municipal holiday, the thrilling Regatta of “Rabelos” boats takes place. It is an occasion that combines tradition and joy, offering a unique experience to those who witness it!
Popular Saints' Festivals
2. São Pedro da Afurada
In honor of the patron saint of the fishing community of Afurada, the São Pedro da Afurada Festival is celebrated. This magnificent festival takes place on June 29th and the 1st Sunday of July; the celebration goes far beyond religious ceremonies! Here… the party engages all the senses!
The smell of grilled sardines and the taste of the delicious Broa de Avintes fill the air while the sky lights up with a fireworks display. And the highlight of this festival? The emotional procession carries life-size images of saints through the streets of Afurada. There are also numerous references to the fishing world, such as fishing nets, considering we are in one of Gaia’s most important fishing areas!
A unique event not to be missed, in which thousands of people from Gaia participate!
Popular Saints' Festivals
3. São Gonçalo and São Cristóvão
In Gaia, we start the year by celebrating! Every year, on the first Sunday after January 10th, we celebrate São Gonçalo!
It’s an incredible day where São Gonçalo, accompanied by São Cristóvão and São Roque, parades through the streets, accompanied by the beat of the drums that set the pace of the route and announce their arrival, bringing people together in the streets to express their love warmly!
The drums start “working” very early on this day! The drum parades head towards the Church of Mafamude (where the day’s highlight occurs at the end), and they must cover several kilometers to get there.
The encouragement? Besides the tradition and pride of participating in something so crucial for our community, those who make the drums heard from meters away are “supported” vocally by the people who welcome them in the streets, chanting, “E ele é nosso. É, é, é!”
Care to bet? After 5 minutes, you’ll feel the urge to get involved in this fantastic celebration, and before you know it, you’ll be shouting at the top of your lungs, “E ele é nosso. É, é, é!”
Popular Saints' Festivals
And because we love celebrations, here are 3 more suggestions you can't miss!
Senhor da Pedra (in the photo)
An essential religious event takes place on the sandy beach of Miramar, next to the iconic Chapel of Senhor da Pedra. The exact date of this incredible celebration is flexible, but it always starts on the Sunday of the Holy Trinity. The event’s highlight is the majestic procession in honor of Senhor da Pedra, which takes place the following Tuesday.
Senhora da Saúde
Every year in August, the “Senhora da Saúde” Feast is celebrated on Monte Murado in the parish of Pedroso. Hundreds of faithful gather here to fulfill their promises and offer prayers. The climax of the celebration is on August 15th.
Senhora Das Neves
The “Senhora Das Neves” celebration takes place in the Sandim parish at the beginning of August. This celebration is one of the most important religious events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors for the religious ceremonies and concerts held during this time. The candlelight procession on Saturday is the most significant event of the “Senhora Das Neves” Feast. It is accompanied by brass bands and floats.
Celebrating the Past, Culture, and Gastronomy of Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia breathes history and culture…
In addition to the religious festivals in our territory, other celebrations transport us to the past and others that celebrate Gaia’s gastronomic and musical culture!
We suggest experiencing three of these festivals. But be aware that there are many more. As we told you, in Gaia, we love celebrations!
Local festivities
1. Vilar de Andorinho Medieval Festival
The “Vilar Medieval” Festival is one of our best-kept secrets! It’s one of those hidden gems that you’ll love!
Held in June in the parish of Vilar de Andorinho, it’s a small medieval fair with an incredible atmosphere that will make you forget about everything else. Taste the delicacies prepared by various stalls, where you can find spit-roasted pork sandwiches, pork steaks, or the traditional Caldo Verde (soup).
Watch various street theater performances, medieval music concerts, shows, castle raids… There are many reasons to set aside at least one trip day to experience it all!
Local festivities
2. Avintes Cornbread Festival
During the first days of September, the incredible village of Avintes comes to life with the eagerly awaited traditional Cornbread Festival, held near the “Areinho de Avintes” Beach.
Traditional gastronomy takes center stage at this festival, where you’ll find various spaces to taste some of the most iconic dishes of our region. Additionally, you can enjoy concerts featuring traditional Portuguese music.
After a few minutes of listening to our music, you’ll feel the urge to hit the dance floor! Leave your shyness behind and join the dance!
Local festivities
3. Arnelas Walnut Fair
The Walnut Fair or São Mateus Fair takes place in the village of Arnelas, along the Douro River.
This fair occurs on the left bank of the Douro River on the eve of Saint Matthew’s Day, celebrated on September 21. It marks the farewell to summer, awakening the senses to autumnal elements.
This event dates back to the reign of King João V, as this small location was once a port on the Douro River.
Here, walnuts take center stage! Tasting a walnut here has a flavor unlike any other you’ve tried before.
