Portugal Events Guide
Find out what's on when in Portugal so you can plan your next villa break on the island accordingly. Many tourists book their holiday villas in Portugal in order to enjoy specific events - and there's certainly plenty going on around the country all year round.
Carnival
Like many other countries around the Med Portugal celebrates the end of Lent with Carnival, which normally takes place during either February or March and which is celebrated with particular intensity on the island of Madeira, as well as on the mainland where revellers take to the streets of the capital Lisbon as well as other cities and towns across the country.
Indeed Portugal could accurately be described as the Mother to the world famous Rio Carnival, as the tradition was imported into this former Portuguese colony.
Dia De Liberdade
25th of April - the Dia de Liberdade - marks the revolution that took place in Portugal in 1974 and which ultimately led to the overthrow of the dictator Salazar, who had ruled the country since 1932, following the military coup d'état in the late 1920's. Also known as the Carnation Revolution this largely peaceful transition of power is still marked today by a relatively retrained public holiday, which sees many businesses closing for the day.
Rock in Rio - Lisbon
The strong ties between former colony Brazil and the old mother land of Portugal ate once again evident here. As this huge music festival moved to Lisbon from Rio in 2004 and is staged every other year in May. Attracting enormous crowds as well as big name international stars, such as Sting and Britney Spears.
Pilgrimage to Fátima
One of the most traditional events in the calendar the Pilgrimage to Fatima takes place every year on May 17th. Marking the day in 1917 when a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared before three young children close to the village of Fatima. The highlight of the event is the farewell or adeus, a torchlight procession where an icon of the Virgin is carried through the streets amidst massive crowds.
Sintra Classical Music Festival
This treat for classical music fans takes place in late June and early July each year and features some of the best young pianists from around the world. A dozen concerts and recitals are staged at various atmospheric and culturally significant venues around the town. Such as Sintra's Palacio de Vila.
Estoril Music Festival
Located just 20km away from the capital of Lisbon the Estoril Music Festival first got underway in 2001. And is now a regular fixture in the events calendar, taking place in late July and early August. The scale of the event has grown dramatically in recent years and a number of concerts are now staged in Lisbon. Featuring top names from the world of classical music.
Algarve International Film Festival
Whilst it's not exactly Cannes this annual celebration of all things cinematic is staged every year in November and boasts quite a heritage as it was first staged back in 1972. Whilst the bulk of the action takes place in and around Portimao screenings are also held across the Algarve in locations such as Alvor and Lagos. With films usually shown in their native language with subtitles in Portugese. You can find out more about this exciting annual event by visiting the official website www.algarvefilmfest.com.
There are many more exciting events and festivals taking place around the country. Find out more about Portugal and it's many attractions by visiting the website of the Portuguese Tourist Board at www.visitportugal.com.