Inauguration of a mural dedicated to Pope Francis

From March 1st to 4th, the village of Podence, in Macedo de Cavaleiros, once again takes on the leading role in the Portuguese carnival scene.

The Entrudo Chocalheiro promises to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the parish in Trás-os-Montes and, in this 2025 edition, it has an extra attraction, with the inauguration of a mural dedicated to Pope Francis. This was after, last January, he had enthusiastically received a delegation from the Caretos of Podence, who were blessed by the Holy Father. The work will be inaugurated on Monday, March 3, at 4:30 pm.

The rattles of the Caretos de Podence will be heard throughout the four days, with the men of the village looking for girls to dance and rattle, in a carnival tradition full of colour, light and sound which translates into the most genuine Portuguese Carnival.

The organization is by the Caretos Group Association of Podence, with the collaboration of the Municipal Council of Macedo de Cavaleiros, and the poster includes more than four dozen initiatives with the Caretos as the denominator, but which extend throughout the entire municipal territory. To introduce visitors to natural beauties such as the Azibo reservoir or the Bornes mountain range, among other attractions.

Benjamim Rodrigues, president of the Municipal Council, sees the Caretos de Podence as “an example of authenticity and preservation of the most ancestral customs of our municipality, which with this event manages to take the name of Podence and Macedo de Cavaleiros to the whole world”.

In addition to the iconographic tradition, the event also represents an important boost to the local and regional economy, as people come from all over the country and from nearby Spanish markets to take part in the festivities.

“This is what tourists are increasingly looking for – authenticity and tradition – and here they can find this not only at Carnival but, for example, in gastronomy”, highlights the mayor, adding that, simultaneously, “the Gastronomic Weekend will be held in Macedo de Cavaleiros, which will highlight the “grelo”, with several restaurants in the municipality joining in and showing typical dishes that include this ingredient”.

A walk along the Chocalheiro Carnival Trail, starting from Casa do Careto, marks the opening of the program (registration required at adventure@portugalntn.com), on the 1st. A regional market, mask painting experiences, street entertainment, traditional lunches and dinners, “chocalheiras” nights, “facanitos” parades (children dressed as caretos), night parades, exhibitions, visits to the Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark, concerts, buggy rides and the traditional burning procession are some of the reasons for interest in a program packed with activities and entertainment. The full agenda can be found here.

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