A little outside the usual months, in Aldeia de Viçosa, in Guarda, there is a local tradition that takes place on December 26 which is called "Magusto da Velha". The event takes place in honour of a legend. Legend has it that an old woman, very old and very rich, left a great legacy to the Church of Vila do Porco. But to put his soul in good modesty, he did not fail to demand that, at the end of the party they would make with his gift, everyone pray for his soul, a Father-our every year, returning Christmas. As if the old woman did not trust the debt to be fulfilled, deeds were even drawn up with their demand:
"It has the obligation to give in the first octave of Christmas five means of chestnut and five bushels of wine for the soul of an old woman who left ninety-six bushels of rye to this Church imposed in Quinta do Lagar de Azeite so that with this chestnut and wine a magusto was made on the same day and all of him ate and prayed in"
The tradition dates back at least to the 17th century, to the year 1698, and although no one even knows the name of the old woman to whom they order the soul, it is still fulfilled today. Thus, on December 26 of each year, the "Magusto da Velha" is celebrated. And, for this to continue to take place, the Parish Council is in charge of arranging the so-called chestnuts. Then, just fulfil the tradition. About 150 kilos of chestnuts are thrown from the top of the Church bell tower, while the bells squeak insistently. In the face of such a rain of carolos, the population, in addition to praying for the old woman, also wants to line the stomach. So we see kids and adults running from one side to the other in an attempt to fill the abadas with chestnuts. Some are roasted on the embers of the Christmas Wood that usually still heat up those who watch. To accompany are distributed 150 litres of red wine that also serves to toast the old woman.
As Cavaladas
Some time ago this part, the cavalry also began to be part of the tradition. The land is always the same: on the plough, in front of the Church. Young and less young try to catch some distracted and jump on his back. If a prey has been caught, everyone falls on top of him. As a punishment for the "evil" done, they take with a rain of chestnuts, because they are right there at hand. Since this tradition has been rooted in the culture of the people of Aldeia Viçosa, and the Parish Council having knowledge of the existence of a book that attests to the donation of the old woman, the Board launches an appeal to those who can investigate in the Torre do Tombo, to do so in order to enrich to honour this legacy of the Old.
