Aldeia da Ponte is a village in the District of Guarda and part of the Sabugal Municipality, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 317, in an area of 36.69 km².
Overview
As the summer times approach, the "natives", who had left the village years ago for several reasons, return accompanied by their "new" families, doubling the population of the village and giving Aldeia this friendly and cordial atmosphere which cannot be depicted by words. The inhabitants are under the patronage of Santa Maria Magdalena, holy patron of the village. In spite of appearances, a modest economic life subsists in the village; farmers, builders, carpenters and tradesmen are still quite numerous. Aldeia Da ponte provides a typical example of the small villages which cultural and historical legacies are far being uninteresting. You can choose to admire several curiosities such as a Roman Bridge that crosses the Cesarâo River and the centuries. The "Padres Marianos" Convent, the old school buildings or The Matriz Church are as many places which reveal the past. Shall I tell you about the many chapels standing here and there around the village among which the Souls Chapel, St Antonio’s Chapel, Santo Cristo’s or Santa Barbara’s dominating the village and the river. Nevertheless, there is a site, which more than any other one, attracts the crowd. Standing up proudly and robustly at the very entrance of the village, you cannot miss it: The “Bull Square”
Geographical situation
Aldeia da Ponte is located in the Beira-Alta area, which, as its name indicates, is a mountainous area. The village is situated half way between two cities: Vilar Formoso in the Northeast and Sabugal in Southwest. You can reach Aldeia from Vilar Formoso by taking the road EN 332 over 25 km. Coming from Southwest, you can cover the 25 km which separate Sabugal from Aldeia by taking the road EN 233.3. The village is crossed by the Cesarâo River, it is an affluent of the Coâ River which crosses the Beira-Alta area from south to north.
Principal festivities of the village
First Monday of each month, a Market is held which enables people to take news from one another. May 3, celebration of Santo Christo. June 13, celebration of Santo Antonio that is nowadays celebrated on August 13 when the “natives” are back for the summer holidays. Second Sunday of August Great Bullfight with Horses From August 10 and during the 4 or 5 following days, spectacles and balls take place in the former bull square that is the central place of the village. It remains a privileged place for meetings where the youngest and the less young people, villagers or neighbours share cordial moments, while dancing, singing or having a drink in one of the village pubs. August 15 Capeia Arraiana, a particular bullfight, typical of this area, a flooding crowd invades the village on this very day. A few days after are held friendly confrontations between the frontier villagers in a Capeia Arraiana.
