Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival)
Traditional two-day autumn chestnut festival in Curral das Freiras organised by the local Casa do Povo — roasted chestnuts, chestnut liqueur, cake and soup, a big allegorical parade on the Sunday, and folk music in the village square. 42nd edition on 31 October – 1 November 2026.
About Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival)
Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival) is a producers' festival, not a chef showcase. The stalls in Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos belong to the growers, fishermen and cooperatives themselves — you're buying a plate from the person who grew or landed what's on it, and the recipes are the ones locals actually cook at home.
Bring cash and an empty stomach. Card readers are spreading through the stalls but not universally, and portions are generous enough that grazing three or four of them makes a proper dinner. Weekday evenings are quieter than the weekend.
What to know before you go
- Stay near Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos if you can — the closest guesthouses go first, and driving in on the day means slow traffic and scarce parking.
- Public transport runs extra services on the main event days, but parking near Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos becomes very limited — arrive early or plan to walk in.
- Street programming is free. Paid elements — grandstand seats, gala dinners, indoor concerts — release in waves and disappear quickly once the dates are official.
- Photograph early. The best light and the smallest crowds are usually in the first hour of the programme, not the headline slot.
Best time to visit
The main programme runs around October. Arrive a day early to settle in and see the build-up — set-up day is often the most photogenic.
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Frequently asked
When is Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival)?+
Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival) runs from 2026-10-31 through 2026-11-01. It returns to the same window each year, though exact dates can shift by a week.
How do I get to Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival) and where should I stay?+
Most of the tastings, cook-offs and market stalls in Curral das Freiras, Câmara de Lobos are walk-up and cash-friendly. The sit-down dinners with visiting chefs are ticketed and go on sale weeks in advance — follow the town hall's socials for the drop.
What's the best day or time to experience Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival)?+
The last day is usually the best — producers have loosened up, prices soften as they clear stock, and the crowds are gone.
What are the local traditions behind Festa da Castanha (Chestnut Festival)?+
Madeiran food festivals are producer-led rather than chef-led — the growers, cheesemakers and honey-makers pour and cook themselves. Bring cash for the smaller stalls, ask questions (most producers speak enough English or French), and try the poncha made with the actual local aguardente rather than the tourist version.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.