In the coastal town of Nazaré, the annual celebration of Our Lady weaves together faith, legend, and tradition. According to local lore, the cherished statue of the Virgin Mary, brought from Nazareth in the Holy Land, miraculously saved knight Dom Fuas Roupinho from falling into the sea in 1182. This sacred figure has since become the heart of Nazaré’s devotion.
The festival features a solemn procession where the statue is carried through the town, followed by barefoot pilgrims fulfilling vows. A maritime procession follows, with fishing boats decorated in flowers and flags sailing in her honor, reflecting Nazaré’s seafaring heritage.
National costumes add vibrant color to the day. Women wear traditional seven-skirt outfits, symbolizing the layers of the sea, sky, and waves, with intricate embroidery in bright patterns. Men often dress in dark trousers and white shirts, with caps reminiscent of their fishing ancestry. These distinctive garments, paired with the heartfelt celebrations, make the festival a vivid expression of Nazaré’s unique cultural and spiritual identity.
Start your journey at Nazaré’s beach, where the scent of the sea and the bustle of fresh seafood restaurants set the tone. From here, make your way to the historic funicular, a 19th-century marvel connecting the lower town to Sítio, the cliffside district perched high above.
At the top, visit Ermida da Memória, the small chapel tied to the legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho. In 1182, while chasing a deer on horseback, he narrowly avoided plunging off the cliff when he prayed to the Virgin Mary, who miraculously stopped his horse. Nearby, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, built in the 16th century, stands as a guardian over Praia do Norte, where the world’s largest waves draw surfers from across the globe.
On your descent, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Nazaré’s lower town, where tiled facades, narrow alleys, and the rhythm of local life immerse you in the town’s enduring spirit. This walk captures Nazaré’s dual essence: the raw power of the ocean and the intimate charm of its community.