September 9-12, 2012

Beekeeping has always been considered a prominent economic activity in the northeastern corner of Portugal, known as the “Trás-os-Montes” region. In November 11th of 1514, the royal charter granted to Bragança by King Manoel, already pointed out some economic privileges of honey bee products "wax, honey (...) above nine coins per batch and for those who buy it for personal use, above one coin, will be tax-free”. At the time, the wax was used mostly for manufacturing candles, which were used in religious ceremonials as a testimony of miracles and graces received. Some dioceses applied a tithe in wax and honey to local beekeepers.