Cultural Portugal festivals and events you don’t want to miss

Portugal is packed with festivals year-round, but figuring out which ones are actually worth your time isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

Whether you’re visiting Portugal or living here as an expat, this guide with Portugal festivals covers the cultural festivals and events that are genuinely worth showing up for.

We’ve been to many of these ourselves, and for the ones we recommend, we’re sharing our own experiences, tips, and photos, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.

From iconic celebrations like Santos Populares to smaller local events you might otherwise miss, these are the best festivals in Portugal that stand out for their atmosphere, authenticity, and overall experience.

June

Santos Populares in Portugal

• Dates: pretty much the whole month! 
• Location: throughout Portugal 

If you visit Portugal in June, it’s actually hard to miss Festas dos Santos Populares! This famous event is one of the biggest and most fun celebrations in Portugal, with street parties taking over cities and towns throughout June.

The most famous nights are in Lisbon (Santo António / St. Anthony, June 12th–13th), Porto (Festa de São João / John the Baptist, June 23rd–24th) and in Póvoa de Varzim (Noite de São Pedro / St. Peter, June 29th), where the streets fill with music, grilled sardines, and people celebrating late into the night.

Each city has its own traditions, from street parties and music to parades and basil plants in Lisbon to plastic hammers and fireworks in Porto! There are even so many sardines that it’s often named the festival of sardines! It’s a party you’ll remember forever! 

Corpus Christi

• Dates: Jun 4th, 2026
• Location: nationwide

Corpus Christi is a religious holiday and in some cities and towns you might see processions. One of the best places to experience it is in Vila do Conde, near Porto, where the streets are decorated with flower carpets (tapetes de flores).

O Tapete está na Rua

• Dates: June 3rd until the 7th
• Location: Arraiolos in Alentejo

O Tapete Está na Rua in Arraiolos celebrates the famous Tapetes de Arraiolos, traditional embroidered rugs that are a big part of the region’s identity. Besides the textiles, you’ll find local crafts, food, and cultural activities.

Atlantic Festival

• Dates: June 5th until the 28th
• Location: Madeira (main events in Funchal)

The Atlantic Festival marks the start of summer in Madeira and is best known for its weekly fireworks shows over Funchal’s bay. Every Saturday in June, different countries compete with fireworks set to music! Madeira always knows how to show a fireworks display! 

Portugal Day

• Date: June 10th
• Location: across Portugal 

June 10th is Portugal Day, a national holiday that celebrates the country, its culture, and the Portuguese people around the world. It’s also known as Dia de Camões, in honour of the poet Luís de Camões. There might be some closures. 

Primavera Sound Music Festival

• Dates: June 11th until the 14th
• Location: Porto

Primavera Sound Porto is one of the biggest music festivals in Portugal. It is a music festival in Porto and has an incredible international line-up this year!This year you can see The xx, Gorillas, Idles, Big Thief, Peggy Gou and many more! We already got our tickets! 

WOOL 2026 Colvilha Arte Urbana

• Dates: 11th until the 21st of June 2026
• Location: Covilhã, Serra da Estrela 

WOOL is an urban art festival that transforms the streets of Covilhã into an open-air gallery. You can see murals and installations appearing across the historic centre, and it’s been one of the pioneering street art projects in Portugal.  It has also helped put the city on the map for contemporary urban art.

Feira Quinhentista de Aldeia Galege

• Dates: June 12th, 13th and 14th
• Location: Aldeia Galega da Merceana, Alenquer (near Lisbon)

Feira Quinhentista de Aldeia Galega is a local medieval festival near Alenquer, about 45 minutes from Lisbon. No tourist crowds, just great food, lovely music and nice events. We will definitely be going again this year!

Rock in Rio Lisboa 2026

• Dates: June 20th and 21st + 27th and 28th
• Location: Parque Tejo near Parque das Nações in Lisbon

Do you prefer a music festival in Lisbon? June is also the stage for Rock in Rio Lisboa! This year’s headliners include Katy Perry, Linkin Park, Cypress Hill, Rod Stewart, and Cyndi Lauper.

Festival de Sintra

• Dates: June 11 until the 21st
• Location: Sintra

Do you love classical music? Then Festival de Sintra is a must, and many of the concerts are held in the famous palaces and gardens in Sintra.

Imagine a concert in the gardens of Pena Palace or in the stunning music room at Monseratte Palace.

EuroPride Lisboa 2026

• Dates: TBC – The event will not take place in June of 2026
• Location: Lisbon

Lisbon Pride is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Portugal, and the event brings thousands of people to the streets each year. The exact dates for 2026 are still to be confirmed, but the main events usually take place in June, with a march through the city and celebrations around areas like Príncipe Real and Terreiro do Paço.

SuncéBeat

• Dates: June 18th until the 22nd
• Location: Costa da Caparica (near Lisbon)

SuncéBeat New Horizons is a music festival near Lisbon and if you love house, soul, and electronic music, this is the place to be! It has a more relaxed and intimate feel than larger festivals, with DJ sets, sunset sessions, and a mix of international and local artists.

Sanjoaninas

• Dates: June 19th until the 28th
• Location: Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira Island, Azores)

Sanjoaninas is one of the biggest festivals in the Azores! It celebrates São João with parades, concerts, and traditional events. The streets are filled with decorations, music, and food stalls, and you’ll also see unique traditions, events and historical parades.

Festival Med – World Music Festival

• Dates: June 25th until the 27th
• Location: Loulé, Algarve

Festival MED is a world music festival that brings artists from different countries to the historic centre of Loulé. There are concerts, street performances, food from around the world, and cultural exhibitions. Definitely a fun one if you’re in the Algarve at the time.

FIARTIL

• Dates: June 26th until August 23rd, 2026
• Location: Estoril (near Lisbon)

FIARTIL is a handicrafts fair in Estoril with crafts, food, and live music. It’s more of a local evening event than a big festival, with stalls, concerts, and a relaxed atmosphere.

July

Areas CoolJazz

• Dates: Music concerts on various dates
• Location: Cascais

Ageas Cooljazz offers various concerts on different dates. This year’s artists are Scissor Sisters, David Byrne, Jamiroquai, Franz Ferdinand and more! You can buy tickets for each specific concert separately.

Terras da Transumância

• Dates: Various dates in summer 
• Location: Serra da Estrela

Terras da Transumância is a more local event in the Serra da Estrela region, focused on the traditional movement of sheep between seasonal pastures. It’s not a big festival, but more about culture, nature, and local traditions.

Sumol Summer Fest

• Dates: July 3rd and 4th
• Location: Praia São João, Costa da Caparica (near Lisbon)

Sumol Summer Fest is a beachside music festival that marks the start of summer. Expect sand under your feet, music all day, and a relaxed vibe with friends. The line-up usually mixes international names with Portuguese artists, and in 2026 includes T-Rex, Trippie Redd, and Yuri NR5.

Afro Nation

• Dates: July 3rd until the 5th
• Location: Praia da Rocha, Portimão (Algarve)

Afro Nation is the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival! It takes place right by the beach and draws a large international crowd. Expect big names, busy days, and a strong party atmosphere.

AgitÁgueda Art Festival

• Dates: July 4th until 28th, 2026
• Location: Águeda (between Coimbra and Porto)

AgitÁgueda is a summer event in Águeda known for its colourful umbrellas hanging above the streets. A bit like Pink Street in Lisbon, but then the whole town! There’s live music, art installations, and events throughout the month, but it’s also just a nice place to walk around and take it all in. 

NOS Alive

• Dates: 9th, 10th and 11th of July
• Location: Passeio Marítimo de Algés, Lisbon

NOS Alive is the largest music festival in Lisbon and in the country. This year’s headlines are The Foo Fighters, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Florence and the Machine, The War on Drugs and many more! Book your tickets online before it’s sold out! 

Knights Templar Festival Tomar

• Dates: July 9th until July 12th
• Location: Tomar

The Knights Templar Festival in a unique experience, as you can dive into the Templar history and enjoy the medieval setting. There will be people in costume, markets, and performances throughout the streets. At night, you can witness the Festa Templária procession with torches and people on horseback. 

Festival dos Canais

• Dates: July 15th until the 19th
• Location: Aveiro (near Porto)

Festival dos Canais takes over Aveiro with performances, installations, and stages set up across the city, especially around the canals. You’ll find music, theatre, dance, and even contemporary circus, with artists from Portugal and abroad.

Óbidos Medieval Festival

• Dates: July 16th until the 26th
• Location: Óbidos

Mercado Medieval Óbidos is to date one of our favourite medieval festivals in Portugal! People are dressed up, the food is great, and the mead tastes like more! There are lots of activities for kids and adults, fun shows and much more. We will be going back to the Óbidos Medieval Festival this year for sure!

Festival de Moliceiro

• Dates: July 26th
• Location: Vagos, Aveiro (near Porto)

 Festival de Moliceiro in Vagos is celebrating the traditional moliceiro boats you see in Aveiro! It starts at 3 PM and you can learn more about the boats and the history of the region. You can even step on board and enjoy a boat ride on the Boco River. 

Feira de Sant’lago

• Dates: July 23rd until the 2nd of August
• Location: Sant’Iago Park in Setúbal (near Lisbon)

Feira de Sant’Iago is one of the biggest fairs in the Setúbal area, with food stalls, concerts, rides, and a bit of everything. 

Viagem Medical

• Dates: July 29th until August 6th 
• Location: Santa Maria da Feira (south of Porto)

Viagem Medical is one of the biggest medieval festivals in Portugal and even in Europe! It turns the town into a large historical setting with markets, performances, and people in costume. There are shows, food, and different areas to explore, all themed around medieval times. It gets busy, but it’s so worth it! 

Rali da Madeira

• Dates: July 30th until August 1st
• Location: Madeira

Rali da Madeira is a motorsport event that brings rally cars to the island’s mountain roads. It’s fast-paced and draws a mix of locals and international fans, with different stages happening across Madeira. A very different kind of event compared to festivals, but quite popular if you’re into cars.

Boom Music Festival

• Dates: 18th until the 25th July 2027
• Location: Idanha-A-Nova, (east of Coimbra)

Boom Festival is biennial, and the next edition will be in 2027. It’s perfect if you love electronic music, and it attracts a very international crowd. 

As Ruas Floridas

• Dates: July 31st to August 8th 2027
• Location: Redondo (Alentejo)

As Ruas Floridas is a unique event in Redondo where the streets are decorated by locals with handmade paper flowers. Entire streets are covered in colourful designs, and the whole town gets involved. It doesn’t happen every year, but when it does, it’s one of the most visually striking events in the Alentejo.

Festa dos Tabuleiros 

• Dates: July 2027
• Location: Tomar

Festa dos Tabuleiros only happens every four years, but it’s well worth the wait! We visited in 2023 and the city is super colourful and nicely decorated. There were different events spread over several dates, and when the 2027 is published, we will share it here. 

August

Jazz em Agosto

• Dates: Several dates throughout the month
• Location: Gulbenkian Gardens in Lisbon

Jazz em Agosto is held at the Gulbenkian Gardens in Lisbon and focuses on more experimental and contemporary jazz. It’s a unique outdoor setting in the park and an event we visit most years. 

Semana do Mar

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Horta, Faial Island (Azores)

Semana do Mar is one of the biggest events in the Azores, held on Faial island. It’s centred around the sea, with sailing events, concerts, and a busy program throughout the week.

Festas Gualterianas

• Dates: first weekend of August 
• Location: Guimarães

The Festas Gualterianas began as free fairs celebrated in honour of Saint Gualter (São Gualter) since 1906. It’s always on the first weekend of August, and some highlights are the Linen Procession, the Battle of Flowers, and the Gualterianas March.

Feira de São Mateus

• Dates: August 6th until September 6th
• Location: Viseu

Feira de São Mateus is one of the oldest fairs in Portugal and runs for several weeks. You can expect 31 days of concerts and entertainment, amusements and sports, gastronomy and culture!

Silves Medieval Fair

• Dates: August 7th until the 15th 
• Location: Silves (Algarve)

The Medieval fair in Silves is one of the best medieval festivals in the Algarve. The town transforms into a medieval setting with markets, performances, and people in costume throughout the streets around the castle. There are shows, food, and different areas to explore.

O Sol da Caparica

• Dates: August 13th until the 16th
• Location: Parque Urbano, Costa da Caparica (near Lisbon)

O Sol da Caparica is a music festival focused mainly on Portuguese artists, with a mix of genres from pop to hip hop.

Assumption Day

• Date: August 15th:
• Location: nationwide 

Assumption Day is a public holiday in Portugal with religious significance, marked by masses and processions in many towns and villages. There may be some closures. 

Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia

• Dates: August 15th until the 23rd
• Location: Viana do Castelo

Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia is one of the biggest and most traditional festivals in Portugal. Expect large parades, people dressed in traditional costumes, music, and a busy atmosphere across the city. There are also concerts, fireworks, and processions, with the highlight being the historical and ethnographic parade.

Festival do Vinho Português e Feira Nacional da Pera Rocha

• Dates: TBC
• Location: near Bombarral (north of Lisbon)

The Portuguese Wine Festival & Rocha Pear Fair in Bombarral combines wine and local produce, with a focus on Portuguese wines and the Pera Rocha pear. There are tastings, food stalls, and a fair-style setup with concerts and entertainment.

Vilar de Mouros

• Dates: August 18th until the 22nd
• Location: Vilar de Mouros

Vilar de Mouros is one of the oldest music festivals in Portugal, with a mix of rock, indie, and alternative artists. It’s set in a more rural area in the north near the Spanish border. Headliners are YUNGBLUD, Dropkick Murpreys , Kasabian, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, and Body Count featuring Ice-T.

FATACIL

• Dates: August 21st until the 30th
• Location: Lagoa (Algarve)

FATACIL is a large summer fair in the Algarve with concerts, food, crafts, and exhibitions. It runs for several days and draws big crowds, especially in the evenings, with a mix of local traditions and big-name Portuguese artists.

Madeira Wine Festival

• Dates: August 23rd to September 13th
• Location: the streets of Funchal and in vineyards in Madeira

If you’ve been to Madeira, we’re sure you know how fantastic the wine is! Loved it so much? Then in August, you don’t want to miss the Madeira Wine Festival! There are tastings, harvest-related activities, and cultural events, especially around the time of the grape harvest. 

MEO Kalorama Music Festival

• Dates: August 29th until the 31st
• Location: Lisbon

Meo Kalorama is one of these festivals that we already buy tickets before the full line up is revealed!

And this year we are excited to see Interpol, Lauren Hill, Deftones, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and especially Angine de Poitrine! Other highlights are Robbie Williams, Grace Jones and Turnstile. Get your tickets here while it lasts!

September

Festa das Vindimas de Palmela

• Dates: September 3rd until the 8th
• Location: Palmela (near Lisbon)

Festa das Vindimas celebrates the local grape harvest. The festival is a lively affair, with music in the streets, processions, and wine, lots of wine. The first edition of the Harvest Festival took place in 1963 and highly recommend if you’re nearby.

Super Bock Super Rock

• Dates: September 5th – The Weekend
• Location: Estádio do Restelo, Lisbon

Super Bock Super Rock is known for international artists and a mix of genres. In recent years, the format has changed quite a bit. Instead of the usual multi-day summer festival, it has shifted towards shorter formats and individual concert-style events. We went to the last day festival near Sesimbra in 2023.

Festival F

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Faro (Algarve)

Festival F is a summer festival in Faro. The line-up focuses mostly on Portuguese artists, with performances spread across different stages.

MOTELx – Lisbon International Horror Film Festival

• Dates: September 8th until the 14th
• Location: Lisbon

MOTELx is a film festival in Lisbon focused on horror, thriller, and suspense films. It usually takes place at Cinema São Jorge and attracts both international and Portuguese films. The program includes screenings, talks, and themed events, with a strong focus on genre cinema. 

Alma do Vinho Alenquer

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Alenquer (near Lisbon)

Another festival for wine lovers! Alma do Vinho is a wine festival in Alenquer where you can enjoy tastings, food stalls, and concerts over several days. The focus is on regional wines, but there’s also live music and a busy evening atmosphere. It’s one of Portugal’s largest wine festivals, and it gets quite crowded, especially at night, so coming early pays off!

Art’In Rua Tomar 

• Dates: September 11th to 13th
• Location: Tomar

Art’In Rua Tomar is a street art festival in Tomar with installations, and performances spread across the city. It’s quite creative, with artists working in public spaces, so you’ll often see new pieces being made live! Be ready for a few days filled with colour, creativity, and good vibes.

XXIX Feira Nacional de Artesanato e Tasquinhas de Pombal

• Dates: September 26th until the 28th
• Location: Pombal (between Lisbon and Porto)

XXIX Feira Nacional de Artesanato is a fun artisan fair in Pombal. There are also concerts and entertainment in the evenings, and it runs over several days.

Chefs on Fire

• Dates: September 19th until 20th
• Location: Parque Marechal Carmona (in Cascais)

Chefs on Fire is one of the best food festival in Portugal. Chefs cook over an open fire, with dishes prepared live throughout the day. You’ll find a mix of well-known chefs and very good food!

Caixa Alfama Festival

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Alfama, Lisbon

Caixa Alfama Festival is a fado festival spread across different venues in Alfama. You move between small stages, churches, and viewpoints to see different artists, which makes it feel quite intimate. It’s focused entirely on fado, with both well-known and newer singers, and the setting in Alfama fits it perfectly.

October

Festa do Cinema Francês 

• Dates: TBC – From October 2nd
• Location: several cities in Portugal

Festa do Cinema Francês is a film festival focused on French cinema, with screenings, premieres, and special events. It usually starts in Lisbon and then moves to other cities. The program of the French Film Festival includes a mix of recent films and classics, with some guest appearances and talks.

Birdwatching & Nature Festival

• Dates: October 2nd to 5th
• Location: Sagres (Algarve)

Birdwatching & Nature Festival takes place in Sagres, one of the best spots in Portugal for bird migration. It includes guided walks, talks, and activities focused on nature and wildlife. With bird watchers in the family, it’s a hard one to miss!

Moda Lisboa

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Lisbon

Lisbon Fashion Week returns in October, but the dates for Moda Lisboa are yet to be announced. 

Republic Day

• Date: October 5th
• Location: nationwide

Republic Day marks the end of the monarchy and the start of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. It’s a public holiday, so you can expect some closures. 

Festival Internacional de Marionetas do Porto (FIMP)

• Dates: October 9th to 18th
• Location: Porto

Festival Internacional de Marionetas do Porto FIMP is a puppetry and visual theatre festival with performances across different venues in the city. It’s not just for kids, as many shows are more experimental and aimed at adults. The program usually mixes Portuguese and international artists, with performances, installations, and smaller-scale productions.

Óbidos Fólio Festival 2026

• Dates: October 8th to 18th
• Location: Óbidos

FÓLIO is a literary festival that takes over the town of Óbidos with talks, book events, and cultural programming. There are different themes each year, and events are spread across various venues, including churches and historic buildings.

Feira de Santa Iria

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Tomar

Feira de Santa Iria is a traditional fair in Tomar with food stalls, concerts, and an antique fair.

Lisbon EDP Marathon

• Dates: October 10th (EDP Marathon) + October 11th (Hyundai Half Marathon and the EDP 8K) + 
• Location: Lisbon

The Lisbon EDP Marathon is the full 42 km race, starting in Carcavelos and finishing in Lisbon. The route follows the coastline for a big part, which makes it one of the more scenic marathons in Europe. It attracts both serious runners and casual participants, and registrations are open. You can also opt for the Hyundai Half Marathon or the EDP 8K a day later.

Festival Nacional de Gastronomia

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Santarém (1 hour from Lisbon)

Another one for foodies! Festival Nacional de Gastronomia is one of the main food events in Portugal, bringing together dishes from different regions in one place. You’ll find traditional food, regional specialities, and plenty of options to try.  

Feira de São Simão in Alcobaça

• Dates: October 28th
• Location: Alcobaça

Feira de São Simão is a traditional autumn fair in Alcobaça, held around October 28th. It’s known for seasonal food like chestnuts, dried fruits, and nuts, with stalls spread across the town. It has a very local feel and is tied to both São Simão and All Saints’ Day.

November

All Saints’ Day

• Date: November 1st
• Location: nationwide

All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos os Santos) is a public holiday in Portugal and there might be closures. It’s also the date of the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, one of the most important events in Portuguese history.

The earthquake struck Lisbon on the morning of November 1st, followed by fires and a tsunami, and destroyed much of the city. Today, it’s still remembered as a defining moment, especially in Lisbon’s history.

Hot Air Balloon Festival

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Alentejo

Festival Internacional Balões Ar Quente is high on our wishlist! The International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Alentejo takes place across different locations in the Alentejo.

Over several days, balloons launch from places like Ponte de Sor, Montargil, Alter do Chão, Monforte, and Fronteira. Flights usually happen early in the morning and late afternoon, depending on the weather.

Leffest Lisboa Film Festival

The Leffest Lisboa Film Festival runs from November 6th until the 15th. The Film Festival will host events, shows, and meetings featuring some of the great names in cinema, literature, and the arts.

The Web Summit in Lisbon

The Web Summit in Lisbon takes place from November 9th to the 12th of this year. There are numerous speakers and workshops available for you to attend. It’s one of the world’s largest technology events, and it’s also fantastic for networking. 

São Martinho

• Date: November 11th
• Location: nationwide

São Martinho comes from Saint Martin, a Catholic saint, but today it’s mostly about roasted chestnuts. Around this time, you’ll see roasted chestnuts everywhere and people drinking the year’s first wine (água-pé or jeropiga).

Monchique Walking Festival

• Dates: November 27th until the 29th
• Location: Monchique (Algarve)

The Monchique Walking Festival is a hiking-focused event in the Algarve, with guided walks through the mountains and surrounding nature. Routes vary in difficulty and usually include local guides, with some walks combined with food or cultural elements.

Start of the Christmas markets and lights

• Dates: TBC
  • Christmas lights in Lisbon late November onwards
  • Christmas lights at Praça do Comércio in Lisbon
  • Christmas lights at Armazéns do Chiado in Lisbon
  • Christmas lights in Porto
• Location: in most cities

From late November onwards, Christmas lights and markets start popping up across Portugal. The biggest setups are usually in Lisbon and Porto, where you’ll find larger markets, light displays, and opening events (sometimes with fireworks).

Other places also go all in, especially towns like Óbidos (with its Christmas village), Braga, and Vila Real, each with their own version of markets and decorations. We’ve written a lot about the Christmas markets in Portugal and will highlight them here also.

December 

Christmas markets in Portugal 

• Various markets and dates: Christmas markets in Lisbon
• TBC: Cascais Christmas Village
• TBC : Águeda é Natal – Christmas decorations in Águeda, near Aveiro
• November 27th until January 3rd 2027: Óbidos Vila Natal Christmas Village
• TBC: Reino de Natal – Christmas Village in Sintra
• TBC: Christmas in Porto

Restoration of Independence Day

• Date: December 1st
• Location: nationwide

Restoration of Independence Day (Restauração da Independência) marks Portugal regaining independence from Spain in 1640. It’s a public holiday, with official ceremonies taking place in places like Lisbon, but overall, it’s quite low-key. Expect some closures, but not much in terms of events or celebrations.

LEME Contemporary Circus Festival

• Dates: December 3rd until the 6th 
• Location: Ílhavo (near Aveiro)

LEME Contemporary Circus Festival is a contemporary circus festival with performances across different venues in Ílhavo. It focuses on modern circus, so more artistic and experimental than traditional shows. The program includes international and Portuguese artists, with performances and smaller productions spread around the area.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

• Date: December 8th
• Location: nationwide

This is a public holiday in Portugal dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is considered the patron saint of the country. There are religious services and processions in some places, but overall, it’s a quiet day. There may be some closures, especially for shops and services.

Christmas

• Dates: December 24th (Christmas Eve – Véspera de Natal) + December 25th (Christmas Day – Dia de Natal)
• Location: nationwide

In Portugal, Christmas is mainly celebrated on the evening of the 24th (Consoada), when families gather for dinner, traditionally bacalhau or octopus, followed by midnight mass (Missa do Galo).

December 25th is quieter and more about family time. Most things are closed on both days, especially on the 25th. Discover here what to expect during Christmas in Lisbon.

New Year’s Eve in Portugal

• Date: December 31st
• Location: nationwide

New Year’s Eve, or Passagem de Ano, is one of the biggest celebrations in Portugal. Cities like Lisbon and Porto usually have large events with concerts and fireworks at midnight.

There’s also a tradition of eating 12 raisins at midnight, one for each month of the year, while making wishes. Coastal places like Albufeira and Funchal are especially popular, with big fireworks displays, and Madeira’s being one of the most well-known.

January

New Year’s Day

• Date: January 1st
• Location: nationwide

The year begins with a slow start, especially if you had a late one the night before! We usually take it easy as well, but a stroll along the Tagus River is always a good idea if the weather is nice. 

It’s not the best day for sightseeing and you can expect closures. This includes many famous sights and monuments, shops and restaurants. 

Three Kings Day

• Date: January 6th
• Location: nationwide

January 6th marks as the end of the Christmas season in Portugal. This day is known as Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day (Dia de Reis), and it celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men (Reis Magos) to baby Jesus. It’s the perfect day to eat a King Cake (Bolo Rei), a crown-shaped cake filled with dried fruits and nuts.

Festas em Honra de São Gonçalinho

• Dates: Mid-January
• Location: around the small chapel of São Gonçalinho in Aveiro (south of Porto)

Festas em Honra de São Gonçalinho is a very local festival, and an unusual one! How often do you see people throwing hard bread from the top of a chapel? Well, in Aveiro it’s annually, and a great way to experience Portuguese tradition!

Candlelight Lisboa

• Dates: throughout the year
• Location: Lisbon

Enjoy one of the spectacular candlelight concerts in Lisbon this year! The concerts have different themes, such as ABBA, Queen, and Vivaldi. Great for a romantic night out and perfect for music lovers!

Festa das Fogaceiras

• Date: January 20th
• Location: between Porto and Aveiro

Festa das Fogaceiras is one of the most important traditions in Santa Maria da Feira. It celebrates a centuries-old vow to São Sebastião.

The highlight is the procession, where young girls dressed in white carry fogaças on their heads (traditional sweet bread) through the streets, that’s been happening for generations! 

Feira do Fumeiro

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Montalegre (north of Portugal, near the Spanish border)

This one is for foodies! Feira do Fumeiro translates to Smoked Sausage Festival, and it draws crowds from across the country. You will smell the wood smoke everywhere and the place is surrounded by sausages. Expect many more wintery specials and local products from the Trás-os-Montes region.

February

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Trás os Montes (Northern Portugal)

You didn’t enjoy enough smoked sausages in Montalegre? You get another chance at the Smoked Meat Festival (Feira do Fumeiro) in Vinhais! If you’re interested in Portuguese food culture, this is one of the best-known festivals to experience.

Carnaval in Portugal 

• Dates: Carnaval in Portugal is on various dates, depending on the location
• Locations: nationwide

Carnaval 2027 is from Friday, February 5th, to Wednesday, February 10th. There will be several events throughout the country, and you can expect celebrations in Lisbon, Madeira, Ovar, Loulé, and Torres Vedras, for example. 

The Carnaval in Torres Vedras is known as the most Portuguese Carnaval, and the Carnaval de Podence is high or our wishlist!

Feira do Queijo de Celorico da Beira

• Dates: February 19th until February 21st, 2027
• Location:  Celorico da Beira, in Serra da Estrela  

We still have to go, but Feira do Queijo de Celorico da Beira is high on our wishlist as cheese lovers! This cheese festival celebrates the famous Serra da Estrela cheese, but many more!

Also, the Rota do Queijo sounds like a match made in heaven, and you can cycle or walk it. This is the kind of place where you’ll want to come hungry, and probably leave with a bag full of cheese!

Fantasporto Filmfestival

• Dates: February 27th until March 8th, 2027
• Location: Porto

Fantasporto Filmfestival is one of the most well-known film festivals in Portugal and takes place at Batalha Centro de Cinema in Porto. It’s a bit more niche than traditional cultural festivals, but it’s a unique event to experience while in Porto.

March

Óbidos International Chocolate Festival

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Near Óbidos Castle

Let’s start March with one of the sweetest festivals in Portugal! The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival is perfect for chocolate lovers! There are demonstrations, tastings and plenty of workshops. 

Lisbon Half Marathon

• Date: March 7th, 2027
• Location: Lisbon

The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon and Vodafone 10k attract thousands of participants each year! That’s no surprise, as the route of the Lisbon Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful in the world. So grab your running shoes and enjoy the views along the way!

Feira da Foda

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Pias (Northern Portugal, near the Spanish border)

Yes, the name is real 😄 and it usually gets attention for obvious reasons, but it actually comes from a local expression meaning well-fed or well-seasoned lamb. If you don’t understand the meaning, we suggest you Google it!

At Feira da Foda you can try different lamb dishes (especially “Cordeiro à Moda de Monção”), local wine and other regional products.

Festas de São José

• Dates: March 17th until 21st
• Location: Santarém, one hour from Lisbon

São José (St. Joseph) is the patron saint of Santarém and the Festas de São José honours him with traditional processions and live music. You can also enjoy fairs with food stalls and local products.

Feira de São Gregório

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Torres Novas 

Feira de São Gregório is a local and traditional festival with religious roots dating back to the 16th century. You can expect concerts, food markets and local products.

Talha à Mesa

• Dates: TBC
• Location: Vidigueira, Alentejo

If you love wine, you should not miss the modern food and wine event Talha à Mesa in Alentejo. This wine festival is celebrating the traditional talha wines. There are made using ancient clay amphorae techniques that date back to Roman times!

Easter in Portugal 

• Dates: Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa): March 26, 2027 + Easter Sunday (Páscoa): March 28, 2027
• Location: nationwide

Páscoa, or Easter, is one of the most important religious celebrations in Portugal. Please note that many sights will be closed, and even local shops and restaurants. You can also expect several religious processions, especially in Braga and Óbidos.

Festas das Tochas Floridas

• Date: Easter Sunday
• Location: São Brás de Portel (Algarve)

Festa das Tochas Floridas (Flower Torch Procession) is a unique event in São Brás de Portel. Locals carry flower-decorated torches and the whole town is decorated during this religious festival! You can also enjoy music and plenty of Easter sweets. 

April

O Ovar em Jazz is a modern music festival centred around jazz, but with a broader, more experimental feel. It takes place mainly at the Centro de Arte de Ovar, which is perfect if you prefer more intimate venues over large festivals.

The Grande Mostra Vinhos de Portugal is a large wine tasting event that brings together producers from across the country. You can find Douro, Alentejo and Dão wines, and it’s ideal for tastings and meeting producers. 

Do you love horses? Then the unique Romaria a Cavalo is something for you! It’s a multi-day pilgrimage on horseback that travels from Moita to Viana do Alentejo. The riders are often dressed in traditional clothing, and there are also traditional carriages. A unique sight!

Feira de São Marcos is a traditional Alentejo fair with a mix of local products, food stalls, and community events.

April 25th is one of the most important days in Portugal, marking the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended the dictatorship and restored democracy. There are usually parades, concerts, and public gatherings, with people carrying red carnations, the symbol of the revolution.

Ovibeja is one of the biggest agricultural and regional fairs in Portugal, and it’s a mix between a traditional fair and a large-scale exhibition. There is livestock, lots of food and wines, and music and entertainment. 

Festa das Cruzes in Barcelos is one of the biggest and most traditional festivals in northern Portugal, with origins dating back to the 16th century and linked to a local legend of a miraculous cross.

Nowadays, you can expect lots of decorations, flowers, folk music, and fireworks. If you’re in the north at the time, this is definitely one worth experiencing!

Normally, the Torres Vedras Carnaval is celebrated in February, but as Portugal was hit by heavy storms this year, it’s been postponed. The new dates are in late April, and you can expect the usual: satire, Matrafonas and lots of music! It’s a unique celebration for sure! 

IndieLisboa Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in Portugal, bringing independent films from around the world to venues across Lisbon. This 11-day festival happens at Cinema São Jorge on Avenida da Liberdade.

The program focuses on new directors, creative storytelling, and a mix of international and Portuguese cinema, with screenings, talks, and events

The Madeira Flower Festival must see when you’re on the island this April and May! It’s one of the most famous, and visually impressive, cultural events in Portugal.

It celebrates spring with large flower displays, parades, and decorations across Funchal. Enjoy the colourful floats, floral costumes, and entire streets filled with flowers!

May

May 1st

• Date: May 1st
• Location: nationwide

May 1st is Workers’ Day, a public holiday in Portugal that’s marked by parades and demonstrations, especially in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Trade unions and organizations often organize events throughout the day, and you’ll notice a more political and social atmosphere compared to other celebrations. You can expect closures at sights, so check before planning a sightseeing trip!

Batalha das Flores 

• Date: May 1st
• Location: Barcelos

One of the highlights of Festa das Cruzes is the Batalha das Flores, where decorated floats parade through the streets and flowers are thrown into the crowd!

Open House Lisboa

• Dates: May 9th and 10th
• Location: Lisbon

If you love architecture, Open House Lisboa is fantastic! You’ll have free access to incredible buildings and venues in Lisbon. This year is the 15th edition and the theme is “About Buildings and Food”.

OUT JAZZ

• Dates: various
• Location: Oeiras, Lisbon

If you love jazz, watch for the OUT JAZZ events that occur all summer until the end of September. Entrance is free, and the events are held in Oeiras. 

Fátima Pilgrimages (13th of each month)

• Dates: May 13th until October 13th
• Location: Fátima

Fátima is one of the most important religious sites in Portugal, and from May to October, thousands of pilgrims gather here on the 13th of each month. These dates mark the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917, and the largest gatherings take place on May 13th and October 13th.

You’ll see candlelight processions, large crowds, and people arriving on foot from across the country. It’s a deeply religious and emotional experience rather than a festival, but even if you’re not religious, it can be interesting to witness the scale and atmosphere of it.

International Museum Day

• Date: May 18th
• Location: Lisbon, Porto, and many other cities (it’s a global event) 

May 18th marks International Museum Day! Many museums offer free entry or special events, making it a great day to explore cultural sites if you’re visiting. It can be busy, and be aware you might have to sign up for events and workshops.

Moga Festival Caparica

• Dates: May 27th until the 31st
• Location: Costa da Caparica (south of Lisbon)

Electronic music lovers will love Moga Festival Caparica close to Lisbon! The festival is at Praia do CDS at the Costa da Caparica which is easy to reach. It’s one of the top festivals for electronic music, with DJ sets, sunset sessions.

ARCOlisboa

• Dates: May 28th until May 31st
• Location: Lisbon

ARCOlisboa is a contemporary art fair in Lisbon. Collectors, Gallery owners, and artists come together at this event, which takes place in several galleries in the city.

Beja Romana

• Dates: May 29th until the 31st 
• Location: Beja (Alentejo)

Beja Romana brings the city back to its Roman past, when it was known as Pax Iulia. The theme changes slightly each year, and in 2026 it focuses on wine and celebration and spectacle in Roman times. 

You can expect historical re-enactments, performances, people in Roman costumes, and markets inspired by Roman times.

COALA Festival

• Dates: May 30th and 31st
• Location: Cascais (near Lisbon)

If you are in Cascais in May, you can enjoy the amazing COALA Festival. The festival celebrates the Portuguese language music, culture and diversity. After an enormous success, the festival is back from May 30th and 31st at the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo in Cascais.

Lisbon Book Fair

• Dates: May 27th until June 14th
• Location: Eduardo VII Park in Lisbon

The Lisbon Book Fair is one of the largest book events in Portugal, held outdoors in Parque Eduardo VII. You’ll find rows of stalls from publishers, discounted books, and occasional author events. It’s mostly Portuguese books and authors, but some English books as well. 

FAQ

Are you joining these spectacular celebrations?

As you can see, there are parades all over Portugal and many events throughout the year. We try to go to some at least a few times a year! We found the medieval festivals to be some of the best cultural events, and we love music and arts festival in general.

Many festivals in Portugal date back centuries, and you can learn a lot from traditions throughout the country. June, July and August have most events, but there is always something to do. Major festivals will be busy, while some local events and festivals are perfect for mingling with the locals. 

Want to read more about specific Portugal events we’ve attended over the years? You can find them here below! 

Other events in Portugal:

• Cultural Portugal festivals and events you don’t want to miss
• Carnaval Portugal with stunning outfits, parades, and dates
• Carnaval in Torres Vedras
• Celebrate the Carnation Revolution in Portugal on April 25th
• Celebrate Festas dos Santos Populares in Portugal in June
• Visiting the Óbidos Medieval Festival in Portugal in July
• Enjoy the unique Knights Templar Festival in Tomar in July
• Christmas in Lisbon
• Photography Experiences in Lisbon during Christmas
• Best Christmas markets in Lisbon
• Wonderland Lisboa: the largest Christmas market in Lisbon
• Where to find the most beautiful Lisbon Christmas lights
• Christmas in Óbidos

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