History
King Afonso III of Portugal founded the town in 1253 in the name of Viana. In the 16th century, its port gained great importance as one of the main ports from which Portuguese explorers set sail, due to the discoveries. The most remarkable buildings in the town are from this era. Its traditional folklore is among the richest in the country.
Viana do Castelo municipality reportedly came under fire from Braga Administrative Court for banning bull-fighting since 2009 on humanitarian grounds. On August 19, 2012, the first bull-fight was staged in the town since the ban. It is believed that some 2500 bulls are killed in Portugal every year. A representative of the National Portuguese Municipalities Association (ANMP) was reported as saying that "freedom won" in Viana do Castelo. Sources : Care2 and theportugalnews.com
Read more about this topic: Viana Do Castelo Municipality
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