Luso Africa Sports Club hosted the annual Sao Martinho Festival at Hattingh Park, last Sunday.
The festival focuses on Portuguese culture.
“This festival has not only become known to the Portuguese society but to the community at large,” said the club’s chairman, Tony Azeredo.
“Although the event is predominantly of the Portuguese culture, anybody is welcome to come join in the fun.
“It is also a great way for people to learn more about our food, music and culture.
“It (the festival) takes place in Portugal on November 11.”
This year the local festival was not held on the exact date due to the day being during the week and the club’s other commitments.
The festival and its name originate from an interesting story about a young Portuguese man, Sao Martinho (see GCN, December 19, 2014).
It is also popularly known as the Chestnut Festival as chestnuts have to be part of the festivities.“Chestnuts are seasonal and November is the chestnut season in Portugal,” explained Azeredo.
“Every year we import chestnuts, for the festival, from Portugal because November is not the chestnut season in South Africa.
“It is not a Sao Martinho without the chestnuts, so we have to import them; we love chestnuts.”
The chestnuts are not the only vital treats at these festivals.
“Our festivals have to, among other things, have chourico (Portuguese sausage), farturas (sugar vetkoek), espetada (pieces of meat or kebabs), doprada (tripe with beans) and ferjoada (bean stew)” added Azeredo.
“This event is similar to the Portuguese Day, which is also another annual event that takes place in June.”
Azeredo also told the GCN that bikers are the order of the day on Portuguese Day.
“We celebrate these two days in a similar way but we have close to 500 bikers on Portuguese Day,” he said.
“Some of the bikers also show face at the Chestnut Festival but their attendance at the festival is nothing compared to the number present on Portuguese Day.”
Jumping castles were among the fun activities put in place at the festival for children to enjoy throughout the day.
“We have local artists and dancers who perform and entertain us on the day,” said Azeredo.
“I know we are not the only people who host and celebrate the festival in South Africa, and although this is usually held overseas, we just thought we should bring it home; a home away from home.”
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