By the GoNazaré Team●21 October 2026
São Sebastião Festivities
In January, Valado dos Frades combines faith, food and music in a festival with a procession and a sausage auction.
Faith, food and music: January
The São Sebastião festivities are a curious celebration with some unique features you should not miss. They take place in Valado dos Frades, in the Nazaré municipality.
First of all, it is a religious celebration in honour of Saint Sebastian, to which food, folk dancing and popular music are added.
There is also a procession through flower-decked streets, where farmers and other professions join the saints’ floats in a parade with offerings for the community. The highlight is the chouriças (smoked sausages), which give the festival its nickname and are auctioned at the end to raise funds.
It is a unique event that you will not find anywhere else.
Guided tour
A local guide takes you to the Sítio, the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort and the town’s traditions, with the stories you will not find in guidebooks.
Frequently asked questions
When are the São Sebastião festivities?
In January, around Saint Sebastian’s day (20 January), in Valado dos Frades.
Why are sausages part of this festival?
Farmers offer chouriças in the parade, and they are auctioned at the end to raise funds.
More about Nazaré
This article was prepared by the GoNazaré team, the Nazaré tourist guide. Please check dates, opening hours and prices before your visit.