Introduction:
The Feast of Saint Martinho is a characteristic event that is typical of the Portuguese community, being held annually on November 11. This feast has its origins in Portuguese tradition, to honor the good deed of Saint Martinho, who cut his cloak in half, in order to share it with a beggar. The Feast of Saint Martinho is celebrated on November 11, because that was the day when the story took place and new wines and chestnuts were being harvested at that time. It is therefore part of the tradition for people to taste wines and eat chestnuts in celebration of the feast, reason why it is also called “Chestnut Feast”. In recent years, the public schools in Macao have been celebrating the Feast of Saint Martinho to promote the spirit of solidarity and to share Portuguese culture with the public and enable everyone to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the Chestnut Feast.
Conservation Status:
The Feast of Saint Martinho has a long-standing history in Macao. It is a feast that is mainly celebrated by the Portuguese and Macanese communities in Macao. In recent years, Macao’s public schools have jointly organized activities for the “Feast of Saint Martinho” to engage parents and local residents in a festive atmosphere, aimed at promoting Portuguese culture and cultural exchange through a wide range of games and performances.
Heritage Value:
The Feast of Saint Martinho is a long-standing tradition of the Portuguese and Macanese communities, being an important symbol of Macao’s cultural diversity. This is a feast that combines important cultural values and represents essential moral values, inspiring the spirit of sharing.