Last week The Portuguese Club held it’s annual Sao Martinho celebration with music, delicious food, and of course, a whole bunch of Sumol. As a member of the Portuguese Club myself, I always look forward to this celebration, not only for the food, but also the reason behind the celebration.
The story of Sao Martinho is one of generosity and selflessness. On a cold and rainy day, Martinho—a soldier—was riding on his horse when he came across a beggar shivering on the street. Out of the kindness of his heart he took his sword and cut his cape in half, giving half to the beggar.
Legend has it that this act of kindness caused a small period of warm, good weather in the middle of November, that many call the “verão de São Martinho,” or the summer of Saint Martin.
In light of this, the Portuguese club holds an annual coat drive to mirror the kindness and generosity of Martinho.
Another significant part of this holiday is the roasted chestnuts that are served every year at our Sao Martinho celebration. This is a food that is often eaten on Sao Martinho during a “Magusto” gathering that often accompanies this holiday, where family and friends come together and roast chestnuts over a fire.
Teachers, staff, and Portuguese Club members come together each year to eat delicious food that most of us have our avós make out of the kindness of their hearts, or in my case, do a central bakery run for some Pasteis de Nata.
