magusto

Magusto is a traditional autumn festival in parts of Italy and Portugal that centers on chestnuts. The name is associated with the chestnut harvest and is typically celebrated in late autumn, often around Saint Martin's Day (11 November) and, in some places, around All Souls' Day.

In many communities, magusto involves communal gatherings where chestnuts are roasted over open fires and shared among participants. The chestnuts are sometimes sold at stalls or given as gifts, and the festivities may be accompanied by wine, bread, grilled meats, or other foods; music, dancing, storytelling, and games are commonly part of the celebration.

The event serves as a social occasion to bring families and neighbors together after the harvest and to celebrate the chestnut crop, which has historically been an important staple in many rural economies.

The use of the term magusto varies by region. In some areas, the more general term castagnata or castagnade is used for chestnut harvest feasts, while magusto is the dialectal or regional name for a similar gathering. In Portugal, a closely related tradition also called magusto occurs around November 11, emphasizing roasted chestnuts and communal meals.

See also: Castagnata, Chestnut, Saint Martin's Day.