Author: Luisa Bernardo

Saint Martin's Day is celebrated annually on the 11th of November.

This day is one of the celebrations that mark Autumn and tradition demands that the date be celebrated with a magusto.

History of St Martin

The legend of Saint Martin tells that one day, a Roman soldier named Martin, was on his way to his homeland. The weather was very cold and Martinho found a beggar full of cold who asked him for alms. Martin tore his cloak in two and gave one to the beggar. Suddenly the cold stopped and the weather warmed up. This event is believed to have been the reward for Martinho having been kind to the beggar.
The tradition of Saint Martin's Day is to roast the chestnuts and drink the new wine, produced with the previous summer's harvest.

As a rule, on the eve and on the day of São Martinho the weather improves and the sun appears, as it happened with São Martinho. This event is known as the São Martinho Summer.

Frases e Provérbios de São Martinho

1. For S. Martinho he sows fava beans and flax.
2. If winter doesn't miss the path, I'll have it for S. Martinho.
3. If you want to amaze your neighbor, plow, weed and manure for S. Martinho.
4. On St. Martin's Day, go to the cellar and taste the wine.
5. On Saint Martin's day, chestnuts, bread and wine.
6. On Saint Martin's Day, two chestnuts make a magusto.
7. Saint Martin's Day, pierce your pipinho.
8. Saint Martin's Day, fire, chestnuts and wine.
9. For S. Martinho, every must is good wine.