Traditional holidays in Portugal

Commemorating the 1910 revolution that ended the monarchy, Portugal’s Republic Day sits at the heart of the national calendar.

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.

If you're living in Portugal or planning a move, knowing when the school holidays fall makes life a fair bit easier. The Portuguese academic year typically runs from September to June, with breaks dotted throughout for Christmas, Easter, summer, and a handful of shorter interruptions.

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.

On 25th April, 1974, Portugal underwent a fundamental transformation known as the Carnation Revolution. This pivotal event marked the end of the Estado Novo dictatorship and the start of Portugal's path to democracy.

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

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.

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?

Portugal is a country known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich traditions, many of which are celebrated through its public holidays.

Portugal comes alive with festive charm during the Christmas season, offering a rich blend of cultural and culinary delights.

Portugal, a land of rich history and stunning landscapes, also harbours tales that send shivers down the spine. Beyond its picturesque villages, ancient castles, and cobbled streets lies a darker side filled with chilling legends and ghostly encounters.

Halloween, with its spooky charm and vibrant traditions, has become increasingly popular in Portugal over the years.

The Algarve is one of the best places to live in Portugal, nowhere else in the world could you have a lifestyle quite like the one you could have while living on the southern coast of Portugal.

We're in the throws of the wonderful summer season, but before we know it, another academic year will begin and we'll be in the autumnal work-craze. So we believe it's time to prepare for the 2024-2025 holiday calendar in Portugal, to start planning your long weekends and getaways.

A trademark of Madeira Island, the typical houses of Santana are a real calling card to one of the most beloved places in the Atlantic Ocean. Although present in the municipality of Santana, these picturesque houses quickly became associated with the entire island and are well worth a visit.

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

Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa recently addressed the nation and has announced the country’s roadmap for easing lockdown measures in Portugal in 2021.

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.

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