Festas em Honra de São Tiago 2026 – Macieira de Rates

Join the local community for a vibrant three-day celebration honoring Saint James, featuring a rich blend of popular music acts and religious traditions. The cultural program kicks off on Friday with a performance by singer João Norte and a fireworks display by Douro Pirotecnia. Saturday features a street parade by the Zés Pereiras drumming group, live concerts by Quim dos Apitos and José Francisco, a grand midnight fireworks display, and a late-night set by DJ Keiroz. Sunday is packed with philharmonic music, including street entries and performances by the Associação Recreativa e Musical de Vilela and Banda Cabeceirense. The dedicated religious program includes special masses on Friday for native priests (followed by a pilgrimage to the cemetery) and evening Novenas, a Saturday vesper mass, and a solemn Sunday service featuring a sermon followed by a majestic procession.