The “Velhotes da Braguesa” are a type of sweet egg and sugar bread, square in shape, sold stuck together in groups of four and called “pasta” by the locals.

The name “da braguesa” is due to the fact that the maker’s wife was born in Braga. At the beginning of the 20th century, they set up a bakery in Valadares, a family business that continues today. The reason for the name “Velhotes” is unknown and its manufacture and preparation remain a culinary secret.

It is a typical sweet from Valadares that is very popular during the parish festivals in honour of Senhor dos Aflitos, in July.