Bragança is a Portuguese city, capital of the homonymous district, in the sub-region of Alto Trás-os-Montes, in the Northern Region of Portugal. It is soothes of the eighth Portuguese municipality in extension, with 1 173,57 km ², subdivided in 39 parishes.

The municipality is limited to the north and east by Spain (provinces of Ourense and Zamora), the south-east by the municipality of Vimioso, to the southwest by Macedo de Cavaleiros and to the west by Vinhais being the cities of Continental Portugal the most northern (which is the most North).

The Celts baptized the city, founded in the second century BC, with the name of Brigance, which became Latinized until it became "Bragança". This name is the origin of the most common gentílico: brigantino.

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The county of Bragança is attractive for the richness of its traditions and its craftsmanship. Thus, throughout the year, especially at Christmas, in the Carnival and at Easter, the visitor can count on very lively parties. Two of the traditions that still stand today and which stand out most are the Boys' Festivals and the Feast of the "Caretos" or Mascaras.

The Crafts of Bragança is being preserved and divulged in some of the parishes of the county, avoiding that this tradition so old forgotten in the young. In this way, the tourist interested in this domain can find: works of copper, burel, leather and wood, as well as works of weaving, basketwork and pottery. The famous masks are made of wood, leather, tin and cork.

The visitor who has dedicated some of his time to the discovery of this cozy county, will not be able to leave without tasting the typical gastronomic delights of the region, represented in the several local restaurants.

The county of Bragança, full of history and heritage, deserves, for all its characteristics and potential, a more attentive visit to discover the true riches of this region typically transmontana.

In addition, it offers a fabulous landscaping, highlighting, of course, the Natural Park of Montesinho, with a set of landscapes and services of accommodation, sport and leisure very diversified, ideal for a vacation in contact with nature.

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The gastronomy of the county of Bragança is in all similar to the one of the rest Land Fria Transmontana. It is characterized by the high quality of the products it uses and the relative simplicity of the production processes.

It is mainly based on the regional sausages (the smoker), the ham being the alheiras (also known as cafes), salpicão and butelo among the most famous representatives.

It is from the abundance of smokestation that the "Folar" - bread of eggs stuffed with sausages, results during the Easter celebrations.

Among the typical dishes stand out the well-known Mirandesa post - this loaf of veal, natural generosity - that can be found in the main restaurants; the stew and the feijoada to the transmontana and still the trout - that worthy and brave fish of the virtuous streams - made in the most diverse ways.

From the brave and loyal chestnut trees, in addition to the days of S. Martinho, the chestnut broth with potatoes, turnips and garlic, or the pork stewed with chestnuts. And at any time, before returning to the hotel in the mountains, with steaks of onion ham, roasted spaghetti with cooked greens, grilled chicken, cod cooked with potatoes and cabbage clams or baked cod with bread rye, rabas stewed with eggs, bits of rabbit with villainous sauce, piglet "toaster", rojões and corn to the transmontana.

Less well known, the casks or chaps, a dish made from dried bean pods subjected to prolonged cooking, are also an excellent accompaniment of winter, especially for the butels.

Curious is also the taste in the region for octopus, which, moreover, replaces cod, as a dish of honor in the night of Consoada. Cooked in the pot, it is one of the most appreciated snacks at fairs and parties.

Confectionery is perhaps the least diversified side of the region's gastronomy. However, Easter eggs, sweet eggs, eaten with bread, honey cake, rosquilas and supplications stand out. The latter have the peculiarity of being made with only three ingredients: sugar, flour and eggs.

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Bragança has a temperate climate, with both continental and Atlantic influences. The summer is typically hot and dry and the days are usually sunny, during the heat waves the temperature can exceed 35 degrees Celsius. During this period precipitation is scarce and most of the falls are due to late afternoon thunderstorms. The winter is long, cold and humid and it is in this season that the rainiest months are found. Despite this, long periods of sunny days are not uncommon. It is from the Portuguese cities where it snows most, however this can vary a lot from year to year, from winters with less than 5 days of snow to more than 20 days.

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