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Gualterianas Festivities
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When:
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1 - 4 Aug 2008 (annual)
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Where:
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Guimaraes
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| Costs: |
Free
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| Opening Hours: |
Daily all day
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Every year the people of Guimaraes pay homage to Saint Walter (São Gualter), at the Gualterianas Festivities, known locally as the Festas Gualterianas. Dating back to 1452, the celebrations include dancing and processions, feasting and drinking.
Guimaraes is a city steeped in history. Known as "the cradle of the Portuguese nation", it was from here that the Portuguese began their battle to win the country back from the Moors, which was to bring about the creation of Portugal as a Christian kingdom.
Saint Walter, a disciple of Francis of Assisi, created the foundations of a Franciscan monastery in Guimarães in 1216. It's not known where or when he died, but he was made the patron saint of the city.
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