The first things that come to mind for many when Easter is mentioned are chocolate eggs and Easter bunnies, and while these things are popular in Portugal too, Easter, known as "Páscoa" in Portuguese, has a much more traditional meaning. Portugal traditionally celebrates Holy Week (Semana Santa), with festivities starting on Palm Sunday, the week before Easter Sunday. So, how is Easter celebrated in Portugal? And what are the Easter dates for 2025? One of Portugal's most popular public holidays in 2025, Holy Week, takes place from 13th-20th April 2025. Let's have a closer look at the Easter holiday and traditions in Portugal, including must-visit places to celebrate in 2025.
How is Easter celebrated in Portugal?
Portugal’s Easter traditions beautifully blend Catholic rituals with local customs passed down through generations. Across the country, towns and villages come alive with religious ceremonies, colourful processions, and festive markets.
While Easter celebrations take place nationwide, each region adds its unique touch — from the impressive Holy Week in Braga to traditional blessings in rural villages.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) Traditions in Portugal
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, starts on Palm Sunday and runs until Easter Sunday. The week is packed with religious events, including processions, masses, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ.
One of the most famous Holy Week celebrations happens in Braga, often called the “Portuguese Rome.” The city hosts elaborate processions, where locals dressed in traditional robes walk through the historic streets carrying religious statues and symbols.
Other towns like Óbidos, Castelo de Vide, and Évora also host deeply moving processions and events, reflecting Portugal’s strong Catholic heritage.
Easter food in Portugal
Food plays a massive part in Portugal's Easter holidays, as it brings families together and keeps traditions alive. On Easter Sunday, families gather to enjoy a long lunch together, often consisting of roast lamb, while other dishes such as cod are enjoyed on Good Friday while many are still observing lent.
Easter in Portugal is also a haven for those with a sweet tooth, with sweet treats taking centre stage, although in Portugal sweets treats are much more than just Easter eggs. These vary across the country and even depending on your family. Check out our guide to the best Easter food in Portugal so you don't miss out on any of these delicious delights.
Is Easter a good time to visit Portugal?
Easter can be a wonderful time to visit Portugal for several reasons:
- Cultural and Religious Experience: Easter in Portugal is deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness elaborate processions, attend church services, and experience the country's rich heritage firsthand.
- Festive Atmosphere: Throughout Holy Week, Portugal comes alive with a festive atmosphere, with colorful decorations, lively street events, and traditional music and dance performances. Whether you're in a bustling city like Lisbon or a quaint village, you'll find celebrations that showcase Portuguese culture at its best.
- Mild Weather: Easter falls in the springtime in Portugal, typically offering mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. It's an ideal time to explore the country's outdoor attractions, from historic sites and scenic landscapes to charming coastal towns and vineyards.
- Gastronomic Delights: Easter in Portugal is a time for indulging in delicious traditional foods, from sweet breads and pastries to savoury dishes like roast lamb and bacalhau (salted cod). Many restaurants and cafes offer special Easter menus featuring seasonal ingredients and regional specialities.
- Less Crowded: While Easter is a popular time for domestic travel in Portugal, it may not see the same influx of tourists as other peak seasons like summer. This means you can enjoy popular attractions and landmarks with fewer crowds and potentially find better deals on accommodation and transportation.
Best places to spend Easter 2025 in Portugal
Celebrating Easter in Portugal can be a rich and rewarding experience, with various cities and regions offering unique traditions and festivities. Where is the best place to celebrate Easter in Portugal? Here are some places where you can immerse yourself in Easter celebrations in Portugal:
Porto
Like most Catholic cities in the world, Porto celebrates the Holy Week festivities with great religious fervour. Throughout Holy Week in the city of Porto, devout locals take tours of the city's main historical churches, such as the Sé do Porto Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco, Igreja da Trindade, or Igreja e Tueste dos Clérigos, amongst others.
Good Friday is one of the most important days of the Holy Week events in Porto as this is when the locals experience the reenactment of the path that Jesus Christ followed and suffered until he was crucified. Christ is represented by an actor and carries a heavy wooden cross along this route on foot, while prayers and songs are sung along the way creating a highly moving and emotive atmosphere.
Braga
Braga is where the most well-known and authentic Semana Santa events take place in Portugal, making it a must-visit destination at Easter. Holy Week in Braga is celebrated with great religious solemnity. Highlights include Maundy Thursday, when the Last Supper is celebrated and locals experience the reenactment of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, and Good Friday when the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ are depicted, as well as Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday itself, celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
Loulé
For those seeking an Easter getaway in the Algarve, Loulé should be your destination of choice. In addition to the region's delightful climate and exceptional cuisine, the town is also renowned for its distinctive Easter traditions. The feast of the Mãe Soberana, patron saint of the city, is considered the largest religious festival south of Fatima and dates back to over 500 years ago.
The celebration begins on Easter Sunday (Festa Pequena) with a procession in which the faithful locals accompany the image of Nossa Senhora da Piedade from her sanctuary to the Church of São Francisco, where it remains for fifteen days (Festa Grande).
Óbidos
Óbidos is a city that has been drawing an increasing number of Portuguese and international visitors every year, thanks to the wide range of events it hosts. The town's Easter celebrations, centred around its iconic castle, are among the most popular of these events. This vibrant festival spans two weeks, and during Holy Week, the town comes alive with deeply moving processions winding their way through its narrow, cobbled streets.
For example, during what is known as the procession of the Burial of the Lord, an image of the recumbent Christ is carried on the shoulders of the bearers, and is followed by a long procession of locals, dressed in different costumes reminiscent of the period, and carrying torches as the only means of illumination. Many of the processions that take place during the most important days, such as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, are similar and are also torch lit, as well as being deeply emotive.
Lisbon
Easter in Lisbon is a vibrant and culturally rich experience, blending centuries-old religious traditions with modern festivities. Lisbon hosts several religious processions during Holy Week, particularly on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. One of the most notable processions is the "Procissão do Senhor dos Passos" (Procession of the Lord of the Steps) on Good Friday. This solemn procession features statues representing scenes from the Passion of Christ, carried through the streets of Lisbon amidst prayers and chants.
The historic neighbourhoods of Alfama and Mouraria are particularly atmospheric during Easter, with their narrow winding streets and ancient churches. Visitors can join local residents in attending processions and experiencing traditional Portuguese Easter customs.
In addition to religious observances, Lisbon hosts various cultural events and activities during Easter. Concerts, exhibitions, and performances may take place in venues across the city, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Portuguese arts and culture.
Easter travel tips for Portugal 2025
- Book early: Easter is a popular time for both locals and tourists, so secure your accommodation in advance.
- Check local schedules: Processions and events vary by region — check town websites or tourism offices.
- Respect local traditions: Many events are religious; dress modestly and observe respectfully.
- Try the seasonal treats: Easter is the perfect time to taste traditional Portuguese pastries and sweets.
Where Portugal’s football stars live: from Cascais to London and beyond
Following their victory in the 2024/25 Nations League, all eyes are on the players of the Portuguese national team. Beyond their performances on the pitch, there is growing curiosity about their lives off the field – in particular, where the stars representing the country at the highest level of international football have chosen to call home.
Living in Funchal: Madeira’s gentle capital
Located between Atlantic waves and green hills, Funchal is Madeira’s easy-going capital with a distinctly local flavour. Life unfolds at a comfortable pace, with daily routines shaped by the sea, mountain air, and a city centre full of markets and friendly faces. Living in Funchal means enjoying mild weather, great food, and a welcoming community that makes it easy to slip right in.
Best places in Portugal for digital nomads
Thinking about life as a digital nomad in Portugal? While Lisbon and Porto often top lists of the best places in Portugal for digital nomads—with all the perks and some rapidly rising rents—they’re far from your only options. Across the country, smaller towns and rural regions offer affordable living, great scenery, and a slower pace that many remote workers now prefer. Don’t overlook Portugal’s lesser-known spots, where you can enjoy authentic local life and still stay connected.
Sustainable living in Portugal: off-grid homes and eco-villages
What’s happening with sustainable living in Portugal is more than just a passing phase. It's genuinely becoming part of the culture now, popping up in the cities as much as it is in rural communities. Some people are going fully off-grid in quiet eco-villages, while others are designing clever, energy-efficient casas sustentáveis. It shows a fascinating part of the country's character, where a deep respect for the land meets forward-thinking ways to protect it.
Working remotely in Portugal: joining the nomad scene
Remote work in Portugal has truly taken off in recent years, and it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing the country as their base. Since Portugal brought in the digital nomad and remote work visas, it’s become a bit of a hotspot for freelancers, tech folks, and anyone keen for a coastal change of scene.
Living in Caminha: Portugal’s green border town
Right up in the green corner of Northern Portugal, where the wide Minho River meets the Atlantic, sits the market town of Caminha. With one foot on the coast and the other practically in Spain, this scenic spot offers a unique slice of Portuguese life. It’s a place defined by its olde worlde charm, with a beautifully preserved medieval centre and a tranquil atmosphere governed by the tides.
