Forget bad luck and the ‘fear’ of black cats; in Montalegre, about 150 kilometers from Porto, Friday the 13th is synonymous with mysticism and, of course, lots of partying. If you’ve never been and would like to experience something ‘out of this world’ for yourself, make a note in your diary: this Friday, March 13, promises to take the most curious visitors from the city of Invicta to the ‘Capital of Mysticism’.
What will you find in Montalegre?
Located in the district of Vila Real, since 2002 the village has become a true ‘pilgrimage’ destination for those who are not afraid to face demons and masked witches. With MontalegreCastle serving as a backdrop, the village welcomes visitors with all the pomp and circumstance that the occasion deserves.
Starting at 1: 13 p.m., various figures ‘invade’ the streets of the village, in anticipation of a night that is, to say the least, different. The program is spread across two stages: in Praça do Município, the group Faixa 13 will perform at 9:30 p.m.; while on the Castelo Stage, starting at 11 p.m., two shows will dominate the attention—one by Guerra Santa and the other a classic with pyrotechnics and music.
Three Fridays 13
This year, there is a rare phenomenon that promises to attract even more enthusiasts and those curious about the occult. After all, 2026 has not one or two, but three Friday the 13ths on the calendar. The first occurred in February, but due to the bad weather that lashed Portugal, the traditional Montalegre event did not take place.
Now, all roads lead to this village in Trás-os-Montes, making Montalegre the true epicenter of witches and demons on March 13. After that, if you are unable to immerse yourself in this supernatural world, where it is common to walk around with a glass of queimada in your hand, your luck will only be tested again on Friday, November 13.
How to get there from Porto?
Montalegre is not exactly a place you can get to in the blink of an eye. Even so, the uniqueness of the date and the event make it worth hitting the road.
To get there, you can expect a journey of around 2 hours and 10 minutes, covering a total of approximately 150 kilometers. The most common routes involve the A3 and A7 highways .
Regarding the A3, you just have to leave Invicta and enter the A3 towards Braga/Valença. As for the A7, after about 17 km, you have to exit towards the A7 (Guimarães/Fafe).
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