Portuguese festivals

The 1st of December is a national public holiday in Portugal, officially called Restoration of Independence Day.

If you’re weighing up the best place to spend New Year’s Eve in Portugal, picture Passagem de Ano as sociable and outdoorsy: twelve raisins at midnight (doze passas), a toast with espumante, and a slice of bolo‑rei the next day.

Getting to grips with Portuguese wine is a fantastic way to understand the country itself. And while many people first think of Port from the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, that’s only scratching the surface.

September in Portugal marks a gentle shift from the peak summer season, offering a more relaxed experience. As the holiday crowds thin out and the intense heat of August subsides, you'll find a more laid-back pace, especially in popular coastal areas.

Lisbon is shaping up to be the place to be, as EuroPride 2025 rolls into town and promises a proper celebration of LGBTQIA+ life and community.

June is without a doubt the prime month for popular festivities in Portugal. It marks the height of celebration and a festive spirit that spreads across the country – from major cities to the smallest villages.

When summer rolls around and the jacarandas are blooming, Portugal gets ready to mark one of its most treasured occasions.

There’s something about June by the Portuguese seaside that feels a bit magical—late sunsets, salt air, and the sound of neighbours setting up tables right out on the street.

As June winds down, Porto shakes off its regular rhythm and transforms into a bustling city of light and laughter for Festa de São João, or St. John Festival.

June in Portugal is when the country lets its hair down. Streets fill with bunting, music drifts out of every window, and the smoky smell of grilled sardines hangs in the air long after sunset.

Lisbon enjoys its moment in the sun every June as the streets fill with colour, music and the unmistakable scent of grilled sardines. Forming part of Portugal's 'Santos Populares' festivities, Festa de Santo António —or Saint Anthony Festival is Lisbon's biggest festival.

Portugal offers an eclectic mix of music festivals, making it a great summer destination for music fans with some of Europe's major festivals. You'll find festivals celebrating genres like rock, jazz, world music, and afrobeats.

As Easter approaches once more, it brings forth a delightful season in Portugal where families come together to feast and rejoice.

Carnival in Portugal is a vibrant and colourful celebration that takes place in the days leading up to Lent, typically in February or March. The exact dates vary each year, depending on the Catholic liturgical calendar.

When is Valentine's Day in Portugal?

Although February is considered a winter month, it’s an ideal time for more affordable travel, allowing you to explore cities and natural landscapes without the intense summer heat or large crowds of tourists.Moreover, February is the month when Valentine’s Day is celebrated, making Portugal a perfe

When did Carnival begin in Portugal? There are several theories on the origin of Carnival, but this one remains unknown.

The best holiday of the year is here, the one where thousands of people take to the streets in extravagant costumes ready to samba, sing and party the night away.

From the 30th of May to the 2nd of June, all rally lovers can enjoy the world-renowned 2019 WRC Rally de Portugal.

May brings big celebrations and amongst them is the Queima das Fitas or Burning of the Ribbons in Coimbra.

The Flower Festival in Madeira, Portugal is a tribute to spring that celebrates the metamorphosis, rebirth, fertility and the abundance of the flowers that colour and perfume the island and attract thousands of tourists, contributing to the appeal that makes Madeira a great holiday destina

If you have a sweet tooth you can not miss the International Chocolate Festival in Óbidos, Portugal. This medieval-looking town, filled with white, blue and yellow rustic houses has many charms that attract thousands of tourists every year, not least of which is chocolate.

Easter in Portugal is a much different affair than elsewhere, much more than bunnies and chocolate eggs.

The Christmas season is upon us and if you are living or planning to live in Portugal you might as well start getting acquainted with all the traditions.