The small town of Amarante in the north of Portugal comes into life each June with the colorful and lively São Gonçalo festival. The upcoming festival will take place from the 6th to the 8th of June 2025 and is famous for its unique tradition of phallic-shaped cakes known as “bolos de São Gonçalo.” These penis-shaped pastries add a playful twist to the town’s religious celebrations and make the event a must-see for visitors in 2025.
Where does the tradition of gifting penis-shaped Pastries come from?
With its historic churches and setting at the river Tâmega, Amarante is typically a small and quiet town. However, during the Festa de São Gonçalo do Amarante, the streets are filled with excitement and laughter. Therefore, the bolos de São Gonçalo are a central part of the festival. These cakes are humorously shaped and covered in white icing and sometimes even filled with sweet cream. During the festival, they are given as signs of affection and good luck to woman. Even if this tradition might seem strange, it’s perfectly normal in the north of Portugal and especially in Amarante.
Photo from Confeitaria o Moinho
The festival itself honors São Gonçalo, who was a 13th-century priest and known for his matchmaking abilities. The tradition of the penis-shaped cakes likely has roots in ancient fertility rituals that predate Catholicism. During the festival, locals and visitors come together at the historic São Gonçalo Church. This church is the main place of the festival and a beautiful example of Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Phallic cakes in Amarante are more popular than ever
The atmosphere in Amarante during the festival is festive, when rhythmic drumbeats fill the air and small flags made from paper penises flutter in the breeze. Women in traditional clothing offer cakes of various sizes, while young men, present these phallic pastries to potential romantic interests. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate love and fertility in the small town of Amarante.
Good to know: Throughout the year, Amarante’s bakeries continue to display and sell these playful penis-shaped pastries, which have become a symbol of the town. Although they were banned in the late 1920s by the Portuguese dictatorship for being “obscene,” the cakes made a triumphant return after the Carnation Revolution in the 1970s and are now more popular than ever.
One of Portugal’s most unique festivals
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal in June, make sure to visit Amarante for the Festa de São Gonçalo. This unique and funny festival offers a great way for you to enjoy a pastry penis with your coffee. Besides that, you can dive into the rich cultural history and warm hospitality of this charming town. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of Portugal’s most unique and entertaining festivals.
