Where to Stay for Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia

The Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia is one of Portugal's most iconic and visually stunning festivals, held annually in August in the coastal city of Viana do Castelo. The festival is famous for its elaborate traditional Minho costumes, with women wearing intricate gold filigree jewellery worth thousands of euros, colourful embroidered shawls, and traditional headdresses. Highlights include the Desfile da Mordomia (the main ethnographic parade), the spectacular fireworks display over the Lima River, the religious procession to the sea, and the Festa do Traje (Costume Festival). The streets fill with folk music groups (ranchos folclóricos), traditional dances, and the aroma of grilled sardines and other Minho delicacies. Viana do Castelo is a beautiful Atlantic coastal city about 45 minutes from Braga. Our apartments in Braga provide a comfortable and more affordable base for attending the Romaria while also exploring the wider Minho region.