Guimarães makes its livelihood primarily in textiles, (a secondary economic sector in Portugal) with 70% of local companies working in this industry. Metallurgy is also represented, as well as the cutlery industry; some of the country’s most well-known brands are headquartered in the Guimarães district. The tanning and leather trades, which were pioneered here in the 19th century, are still active in some localities.

In the last decade, companies in the tertiary sector of the economy have grown, most notably those in business consultancy. The banking and tourism sectors have also grown, and institutions of higher learning have also been founded. Agriculture, a primary economic sector nationally, is important in only the north of the District, which has a small population.

 

Guimarães and its surrounding villages set the stage for a host of traditional festivals during the summer months, much like so many other cities and towns in the Minho province. The following feast days are celebrated throughout the Guimarães district: St. Peter (São Pedro) in Caldas das Taipas, St. George and St. Bras (São Jorge and São Bras) in Pevidém, St. James (São Tiago) in Ronfe, the Grand Procession (Romaria Grande) in the town of São Torcato and the feast day of the Crosses (as Cruzes) in Serzedelo.

The Gualterianas, the largest local festivities, take place during the first weekend in August, whereas the Nicolinas are held from Nov. 29 to Dec 7 and are organised by the local secondary school students.

 

There is a strong tradition of arts and crafts in Guimarães. The “Lovers’ Coin Jar” (Cantarinha dos Namorados) is an example of how artisans have turned the cottage industry of handicrafts into an important local industry with dozens of businesses currently operating.
Linen embroidery, pottery, wrought iron, silverwork and filigree, basketry and wicker furniture, cutlery, stonecutting and masonry work are all examples of the burgeoning activity in traditional trades.
Held in May, the Handicrafts Fair in Guimarães is an important outlet for new creations to be exhibited; artisans from all over Portugal attend.

 

The art of eating well has found a home in Guimarães thanks to the talents of many skilled cooks. To feast on the delicious local cuisine as often as possible, many residents of Guimarães, the Vimaranenses, save their pennies to eat out at least once a week, usually Saturday evening or Sunday lunch.
The local dishes are traditional recipes similar to those found in other places in the Minho and include farm-raised chicken with rice, rojões (roast pork) or bucho recheado (pork tripe stuffed with pork cubes), papas de sarrabulho (shredded pork in gravy thickened with blood) and rice with sarrabulho, baked or stuffed cod, all accompanied by “green wine” (vinho verde) from the Minho region.
Recipes for the traditional sweets of Guimarães were originated in local convents; the “heavenly fat” (toucinho do céu) is a dense cake which features shreds of cooked sweet pumpkin, and the tortas de Guimarães are croissant-shaped pastries.

 

A fundamental, indispensible component of life here is football. Vitória de Guimarães is the city’s team, which proudly boasts playing in Portugal’s Premier League, the Superliga Portuguesa, for the last 50 years.