From a distance it looks like any other Friday in Montalegre, a quaint and peaceful town in Trás-os-Montes, the mountainous and rural province in far northern Portugal.
On closer inspection it becomes evident that something peculiar is happening, the first clues being gigantic witches guarding every roundabout that leads into town.
It’s early afternoon and pigs are roasting on spits, branches of fresh rosemary the utensil of choice to apply liberal amounts of luscious marinade. Stages are being set up in every square and people are assembling around bonfires that offer a shield against the January chill.
The World Travel Awards are considered the “Oscars for the travel industry” and Portugal has once again been showered with accolades in the 2022 edition, accumulating 30 awards in a wide range of categories.
Few destinations can beat Braga for the football fan looking to combine a trip to a new stadium with a pleasurable tourist experience.