Portuguese festivals are some of the most fun, vibrant, and exciting in the world! Whether you’re looking to enjoy contemporary music or revel in the traditions of yesteryear, Portugal has got you covered. Check out this guide to the best of Portugal’s festivals & events below.
Music Festivals
In Portugal, celebrating with music is very common. With festivals like carnivals and even music festivals being very popular. Here are a list of music festivals in Portugal that you might want to check out:
- Optimus Primavera Sound- Porto, Portugal – May
- Optimus Alive Festival- Lisbon, Portugal – June
- Rock in Rio Lisboa- Lisbon, Portugal – July
- NOS Alive- Lisbon, Portugal – July
- Super Bock Super Rock- Lisbon, Portugal – July
- MEO Sudoeste- Faro, Algarve – August
- Novas Frequências Festival de Fados e Jazz / Novas Frequências Festival de Jazz e Fados- Coimbra and Braga
Religious Fairs
The popular religious fairs in Portugal are the feast of Saint John (in June) and the procession of Our Lady of Fatima (in May). These usually include a large celebration with lots of fireworks, singing, and dancing. The feast day of Saint John is celebrated by lighting bonfires on the beach and eating sardines. The feast day of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated by processions carrying statues around the town before ending at a church.
Street Carnivals
The most famous street carnival is the one in Lisbon. It takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, and it has been celebrated for over five centuries. The parade features a wide range of costumes, from kings and queens to devils and angels. There are also people dressed up as popular figures like Batman or Lady Gaga. The Carnival ends with a huge display of fireworks in the sky over the city centre.
Contemporary Events
Every year, Portugal hosts a number of events that are worth checking out. These include big-name music festivals like Rock in Rio Lisboa, Festival Sudoeste and Super Bock Super Rock; cultural events like Lisbon Fashion Week, the Lisbon Architecture Triennale and the Queima das Fitas (Festival of Odes); as well as smaller-scale one-offs such as the Lisbon Marathon.
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