The village of Açor, parish of Castelejo, in the municipality of Fundão, on 9 and 10 November is hosting the gastronomic and cultural event the Maunça Arts and Flavours Show, organised by the Municipality of Fundão and the Cultural and Recreational Association of the “Os Pastores do Açor” Folkloric Group.

This event, in the heart of the Maúnça Serra, celebrates the arrival of chestnuts, calls upon the senses and gives value to local gastronomy, traditions and handicraft.

The Aldeias do Xisto will be present, on Sunday, at 3pm, with a workshop on the potential of the strawberry tree, led by the specialist Nuno Nobre.

Maranhos, the “miaus” (characteristic cakes), rabbit in olive oil, chanfana (goat stew), beans with cabbage make this gastronomic festival a unique event, where, by the warmth of fireplaces, people get together and are able to taste the medronho brandy or bread freshly baked in the community oven.

There will also be no shortage of taverns and street entertainment will be a constant presence. As in previous years, there will also be a Walk along the Maúnça route, with a view of the fantastic scenery of the Serra da Gardunha. 

PROGRAMME

Saturday

• 11am: Opening event with the Lavacolhos Drumming Group
• 12.30pm: Alcongosta Drumming Group
• 2.30pm: Três Povos Singing Groups
• 3pm: Informal conversation: Maúnça 20 Years Later
• 4pm: Community “Magusto”
• 4.30pm: Silvarense Philharmonic Society
• 5.30pm: Drumming Group of the “As Cantarinhas do Telhado” Folkloric Group
• 6pm: Castelo Branco Viola Beiroa Orchestra - Alpedrinha Concertina Group
• 6.15pm: Zabumbas de Alpedrinha Drumming Group
• 6.30pm: Rapoula Bagpipers
• 7.30pm: Drumming Group of the Union of Parishes of Fundão
• 9pm: Bordões da Beira Group
• 10pm: Moustache Brasse Band

Sunday

• 8.30am: Maunça Route Walk
• 10am: Castelejo Drumming Group
• 12pm: Souto da Casa Drumming Group
• 1pm: Singing Group of the Fundão Group of Schools
• 2.30pm: Folkloric Group Os Romeiros de Santa Luzia                        Children’s Folkloric Group of Silvares
              Folkloric Group Os Carvoeiros da Exabarda
• 4.30pm: Community “Magusto”

The 12 kilometre-long “Maúnça Route” walk is organised in partnership with the “Hikers of Gardunha”. The starting point is the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, in Castelejo, passing through the village of Enxabarda and finishing in the village of Açor.  

During the event, there is also a photographic exhibition “20 Years of Maúnça”, with images by Belarmino Lopes and Diamantino Gonçalves.

Keep up to date with everything on the event on Facebook  and start planning your complete stay now. Check the links to the side for available accommodation nearby. Other options available at bookinxisto.com.