Some places flee bad luck. Montalegre throws a party for it. On November 13, 2026, the town will once again fill with witches, demons, drums, and fire, for the last Friday the 13th of the year. And this year, there’s an extra reason for you to go: we’ll be there, with our stand, waiting for you to raise a toast.<\/p>\n\n
If you’ve never been, prepare for a night unlike anything else. If you have, you know what we’re talking about.<\/p>\n\n
It’s the Witches’ Night: a popular festival that celebrates the mysticism of Barroso whenever the calendar brings a Friday the 13th.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n It all began with Father Ant\u00f3nio Fontes, who prepared the queimada and recited the exorcism. The idea caught on so well that the festival moved to the municipal market, and then to the castle and the surrounding streets. Today, it is organized by the Municipal Council and brings thousands of people to the town.<\/p>\n\n Father Fontes is an unavoidable name around here. He is connected to the Vilar de Perdizes Congress of Popular Medicine. The Montalegre Municipal Council<\/a> has organized the \u201cWitches’ Night\u201d since 2002, and it is now part of the region’s cultural calendar.<\/p>\n\n It’s on November 13, 2026, and it starts, of course, at 1:13 PM. The next one won’t arrive until August 13, 2027.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n 2026 had three Friday the 13ths. The one in February was canceled due to bad weather, the one in March happened, and the one in November closes the year, as reported by the newspaper O Minho<\/a>. The festivities will continue through the night until Saturday morning.<\/p>\n\n Witches in the streets from the afternoon, concerts at night, and, in the midst of it all, the queimada by the castle.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n The schedule with exact times is usually released a few days before the festival on the official municipal pages. It’s worth checking before you leave home.<\/p>\n\n Queimada is a hot drink made of brandy and sugar, which is set on fire in a pot while an exorcism against witches, the evil eye, and ailments is recited.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n It has roots in Galician and Barroso tradition, and some add coffee, fruit, or honey to it. When the flame dies down, the drink is shared by those around. You don’t have to believe in witches to feel the shiver. Just listen to the words spoken aloud, see the blue fire dancing in the pot, and realize you’re in the middle of something that only happens here.<\/p>\n\n Warm clothes, rain-resistant footwear, arrive early, and park outside the center.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Montalegre is located about a thousand meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, and November nights can be near zero degrees Celsius (32\u00b0F), with rain or fog. The Tr\u00e1s-os-Montes<\/a> guide offers good practical tips, and these are what we tell you as friends:<\/p>\n\n At our stand, at the festival. Stop by, taste the gin, check out the packs, and toast with us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n For us, being in Montalegre on this night is almost like coming home. Safe Place Gin was born from the longing of someone who lives far from the land where they grew up and is inspired by the mountains of Montalegre and Ger\u00eas. Ana Barros, one of the founders, grew up in Montalegre. If you want to know the whole story, it’s on the Roots<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n At the stand, you’ll be able to taste Safe Place Gin<\/a>, a craft gin with 40% ABV, made in small batches with the help of Destilaria de Basto. On the nose, gorse dominates, with citrus notes. On the palate, the sweetness of orange balances the bitterness of gorse. Among the botanicals are orris root, gorse flower, juniper, orange, and lemon.<\/p>\n\n If you like it, you can take home the Northern Mountains Special Edition<\/a>: the 700 ml bottle, the official glass, and an engraved wooden box. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s a gift that brings a little bit of Barroso to those you care about.<\/p>\n\n Where to find us:<\/strong> in the municipal square; however, follow us on Instagram for all directions.<\/p>\n\n 1.7 oz (50 ml) of Safe Place Gin, large ice cube, Mediterranean tonic, and a thin strip of lemon peel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Chill the glass with ice, add the peel, pour the gin, and slowly top with tonic to preserve the fizz. Stir gently, and it’s ready. The step-by-step guide is in our article on how to make a perfect gin and tonic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Yes. Admission to the festival and shows is free. You only pay for what you consume at the stands.<\/p>\n\n As tradition dictates, at 1:13 PM. And it continues until Saturday, November 14, morning.<\/p>\n\n The exorcism takes place next to the castle, in the early evening. Confirm the time in the official Municipal program.<\/p>\n\n Yes, at our stand. It’s also always available in the online store<\/a>, with the gin, glass, and packs.<\/p>\n\n August 13, 2027.<\/p>\n\nWhen is the next Friday the 13th in Montalegre?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
What will you find throughout the day and night?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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What is queimada and the exorcism?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
How should you prepare for the night?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
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Where can you taste Safe Place Gin on Friday the 13th?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
How to serve the gin at home, after the party?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Is Friday the 13th in Montalegre free?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n
What time does the festival start?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n
When is the queimada?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n
Can I buy Safe Place Gin at the festival?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n
When is the next Friday the 13th after this one?<\/em><\/h4>\n\n
See you in Montalegre?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n