Peso da Régua: Animation in the Heart of the Douro

Peso da Régua: Animation in the Heart of the Douro
Tips and Suggestions | 08 August, 2019

The city of Peso da Régua is marked by its religious festivals, full of traditions, such as the one honoring Nossa Senhora do Socorro, in August.

THE CITY OF PESO DA RÉGUA IS MARKED BY ITS RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS, FULL OF TRADITIONS

If you are going to visit Peso da Régua in August, there is nothing better than enjoying the festivities in honor of Nossa Senhora do Socorro, on the 14th, 15th and 16th.
This festival has been held for several years now, being a cultural heritage of the city.

The roots of this tradition go back to the times when Rabelo boats sailed along the Douro River, and were baptized with religious names.

On its prow, paper flowers and an olive branch with olives were attached, to bring luck on the journey.

As night approached, the sailors prayed and supplicated in chorus: “Our Lady of Socorro… you came to Régua to set your feet on the waters of the Douro; Your hand, gripping the sword, guiding our rabelo”.

Find out more about the three main dates of the Nossa Senhora do Socorro festivities in Peso da Régua.

 

AUGUST 14TH, THE DAY OF THE ROCKET FESTIVAL AT PESO DA RÉGUA

The festivities begin with a Free Fair in the Multipurpose Park. Around 8:30 am there is animation in the streets of the city.

At 4.30 pm, the municipal decoration ceremony takes place in the municipal auditorium.

The platforms go to the Igreja Matriz, and around 23:00 the popular dance begins.

After dancing, look for the best spot to watch the next event.

At midnight, the most awaited moment begins: the “Peso” rocket festival (upper part of the city) begins.

The Confraria parade starts around 00:30 through the streets of “Peso”. The night ends with a popular dance next to Eirô Square.

 

AUGUST 15, THE DAY OF THE ARRAIAL DO RIO

The day starts again with street entertainment through the streets of the city.

At 10:30 am, Mass begins at the Mother Church. At 5:30 pm, the Procession of the Trump departs from the church.

On Avenida do Douro, around 11 pm, a popular dance begins to liven up the city.

One of the most anticipated moments of the parties in Peso da Régua takes place at midnight: Arraial do Rio.

The rockets located in the center of the Douro River are launched, illuminating the skies of the entire city.

To end the night on a high note, around 3:00 am you can dance to the sound of DJs from the region.

 

AUGUST 16, DAY OF THE TRIUMPH PROCESSION

The street entertainment once again runs through the streets of the city, starting at 8:30 am.

At 5:30 pm, the Procession of Triumph departs from the Chapel of Casa da Criança.

Tonight you cannot miss the unmissable performance of the famous group Calema.

The two brothers, Fradique and António Ferreira will liven up the night with their famous hits.

The party doesn't end here, as the DJ's will be on Avenida do Douro again to cheer up those who want to party until daylight.

 

COMPLETE YOUR STAY!

If the entertainment is not enough and you want to venture into the heart of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro, we also suggest that you embark with us on one of the Cruises that departs from Peso da Régua.

We suggest the Cruise that goes up and down by boat from Régua to Pinhão, with lunch on board.

You will be able to observe the true Douro landscapes, and feel the adrenaline while crossing the Bagaúste Dam, with a difference of 28 meters between the two sides of the river.

So you have the complete program to enjoy and taste the best of the Douro.

We look forward to your visit to the heart of the Douro????

Fernando Lebres
Fernando Lebres / About the author

Born in the Douro, namely in the village of Galafura where the most beautiful viewpoint in the Douro is located, Monte de São Leonardo de Galafura. I am lucky to have been born in one of the most beautiful regions in the world and I want to share the best of what comes from it. I want to make known to the world its landscape, its customs, the gastronomy and the fantastic wines that go from strength to strength in the mouths of the world.

Venture with me in the best experiences that will awaken all your senses!

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