Lunch (lunch on your own).
Tour by tourist bus;
Witness the Themed Parade of the Battle of Flowers;
Travel insurance.
The International Camellia Festival is the colorful soul of Celorico de Basto. This town proudly proclaims itself the "Capital of Camellias," and in March the flower is the absolute star. It's the main event that transforms Celorico de Basto into a living garden. It's not just a flower exhibition; it's a celebration that involves the entire community, from schools to the elderly.
The Themed Parade and the Battle of Flowers is, for many, the highlight and most fun moment of the entire weekend (usually taking place on Sunday afternoon). In the Parade, hundreds of participants (around 1000 people) parade through the streets in elaborate costumes, many decorated with real petals or camellia motifs. The floats are richly ornamented, parading through the town. At the end of the procession, the "war" begins! But it's a peaceful and fragrant war, where participants and the public throw camellias and petals at each other. It's the Battle of Flowers, a unique spectacle of color that leaves the village floor covered in a floral carpet.
Mount Farinha, better known as the site of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Northern Portugal. Located in Mondim de Basto, this perfectly pyramid-shaped mountain dominates the landscape of the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro region.
The view from the summit is, without exaggeration, breathtaking. From there, you can see the Tâmega River valley, the Alvão mountain range, and the Marão mountain range, and on very clear days, the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see across the Minho and Trás-os-Montes mountains.
At the top, at approximately 947 meters altitude, lies the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace. It is a place of profound popular devotion. Besides the main church, there are three small chapels that mark the ascent route. Inside, the gilded altarpiece stands out, where the image of the patron saint occupies the place of honor.
The devotion at Mount Farinha is ancient. Legend says that the Virgin Mary appeared at that location, leading to the construction of a small medieval hermitage which, over time, grew into the sanctuary we see today. A very curious tradition is that of the "Penedos" (rocks). Many faithful believe that certain rocks around the sanctuary have miraculous properties or special energies, and it is common to see people touching the stones while saying their prayers.
The Camellia Market is where the flower ceases to be merely contemplative and becomes utilitarian and commercial. Here you can find derivative products – camellia teas, essential oils, handmade soaps, and even sweets inspired by the flower; plant sales – the ideal opportunity for enthusiasts to buy rare cultivars or seedlings for their own gardens; regional crafts – often the market merges with the sale of embroidery, basketry, and the famous Vinho Verde de Basto, creating a traditional fair atmosphere but with a touch of floral elegance.
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