Magusto and São Martinho: Chestnuts, Wine, and Vocabulary

By early November, the olive harvest is in full swing, the air smells of smoke, and chestnuts roast in every town square.
That’s when Portugal celebrates o Magusto and o Dia de São Martinho, a warm, autumn festival that brings people together around simple pleasures: fire, food, and friendship.

🔥 What Is Magusto?

Magusto is an old Portuguese celebration linked to the 11th of November — Dia de São Martinho (St Martin’s Day).
It’s the time to enjoy castanhas assadas (roasted chestnuts) and vinho novo (new wine).

Traditionally, families and communities gather outdoors, light fires, and share food.

🌰 Essential Vocabulary

• castanhas — chestnuts
• castanhas assadas — roasted chestnuts
• vinho novo — new wine
• fogueira — bonfire
• fumo — smoke
• festa — party / celebration
• outono — autumn
• tradição — tradition

💬 Phrases You Might Hear

• É dia de São Martinho! → It’s St Martin’s Day!
• Vamos fazer um magusto. → We’re having a Magusto.
• Cheira a castanhas assadas. → It smells like roasted chestnuts.
• Queres provar o vinho novo? → Do you want to try the new wine?

🕊️ A Little History

According to legend, Saint Martin shared his cloak with a beggar during a cold storm.
The weather suddenly cleared, known as o Verão de São Martinho (“St Martin’s Summer”), a short warm spell in November that still surprises Portugal each year.

🍷 A Celebration of Simplicity

What I love most about Magusto is its simplicity: warmth, community, and good food.
You don’t need much vocabulary to take part, just a smile and a few key words.

And if you ever hear the crackle of a bonfire and smell castanhas assadas in the air, you’ll know exactly what’s happening.

🧭 Final Thought

Magusto is autumn at its most Portuguese, smoky, social, and full of tradition.
Learning the words helps you take part in the season, not just observe it.