The Romeria Grande de São Torcato is historically one of the largest pilgrimages in Entre-Douro-e-Minho and Portugal and takes place annually on the first weekend of July. Its origin is linked to the transfer of the body of San Torcato, in 1852, to the Sanctuary (now the Basilica), being an impressive demonstration of devotion and faith to the People’s Saint.
Organized by the Confraternity of São Torcato, the Pilgrimage includes, on holidays, between Friday and Sunday, a wide range of recreational activities and an extensive religious program, highlighting the majestic Procession, which takes place on Sunday, in which a parade of floats alluding to the life of the Saint takes place.
During the festivities, the centuries-old tradition of preparing sardine pie in a wood-burning oven is revived.