history
The Festival of Our Lady of the High Heavens and Saint Mamede is celebrated in the parish of Paramos, in the municipality of Espinho, and honours its patron saints with traditional celebrations in the month of October. Its origins date back to the late nineteenth century, making it one of the most deeply rooted expressions of devotion in the local community.
The festivities bring together the religious and the communal dimensions: there is a procession, a Pilgrimage Festival and moments of devotion, alongside folk performances that bring the streets to life and gather the population around its roots.
This festival takes place in a land of strong religious and communal tradition, where other popular celebrations are kept alive, bearing witness to the community spirit that crosses generations in Paramos.
about the place
Between the sea and the countryside, Paramos is a parish in the municipality of Espinho where history can be felt at every turn. Its greatest treasure is the Castro de Ovil, an Iron Age archaeological site that holds the memories of people who lived here thousands of years ago. A land of devotion and community spirit, it takes pride in its folk traditions, its local associations, and a cuisine that pays homage to the Atlantic, with caldeirada à moda de Espinho, seafood rice, and the celebrated camarão de Espinho. A land of happy contrasts: ancient yet alive, rural and maritime, quiet and festive, well worth taking the time to visit.
