September 2024 - Portugal Travel Blog 2024 - Plan Your Perfect Trip from UK

July, August and September are the months when Portugal traditionally receives most of the visitors, and it is the time when the country experiences the highest temperatures and celebrates vibrant festivals. However, festivals in Portugal include regional fairs, gastronomic festivals, cultural events, music festivals and more. In particular, there are vibrant Traditional Festivals in Portugal which travelers can enjoy, because each festival offers a distinctive experience. Below we are enlisting the biggest upcoming festivals to make the most of your trip!

Upcoming Festivals In Portugal

The polite people of Portugal are always keen to celebrate vibrant festivals throughout the year when they completely immerse themselves. Distinctive communities celebrate with church processions, dancing, music, wine and fireworks.

Take a look at this guide of Traditional Festivals in Portugal which you should attend during your trip.

September

Festas de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Feast of our lady of Remedies (Lamego)

Popularly known as “The Pilgrimage of Portugal”, this is an important celebration of the city of Lamego. From the very last Thursday of August to 9th September, visitors pay regards to N. Sra. dos Remedios. This celebration is attended by thousands of visitors who come to see this blend of sophisticated ritual and religious belief.

The traditional festivals in Portugal includes exhibitions, parades, processions, concerts, fairs and more attracting many vacationers every year. The well decorated city lights and the fireworks always leave the visitors surprised. Once you are attending this festival, don’t miss the chance to see the majestic celebration: Procissao do Triunfo happening on September 8.

Feira de São Mateus, Saint Matthew Fair (Viseu)

When it comes to the best festivals in Portugal, Feira de Sao Mateus always comes in the list. It is not only popular for being the oldest festival but also due to its vibrant nature.

This fair has its roots in 1392 and is now celebrated with immense joy. Therefore, the fair celebrates its rich history through distinctive activities and exhibitions making it an iconic cultural event in Viseu, Portugal. This fair is renowned for its lineup of concerts featuring popular Portuguese artists. You will be surprised seeing the wide range of gastronomic offerings and rich array of cultural activities including folk dances. Furthermore, sports lovers also find this fair appealing due to its events like night marathon, handball tournaments etc.

Festa do Avante! Go Forward Party! (Amora, Seixal)

46th Avante festival is undoubtedly bringing up the three days of excitement for the travelers. Attended by thousands of people from Europe and other countries, this event is full of joy including exhibitions, book fairs, concerts, cultural sessions and more.

This year’s fest also has special events to celebrate the birth centenary of renowned Portuguese writer Jose Saramago and 80th birth anniversary of Musician Adriano Correia de Oliveira. If you wish to experience something unique, this event is a great option.

October

Celebracoes de Fatima celebrations (Fatima)

This dates back hundreds of years ago, when on October 13, 1917 God did an incredible miracle in Fatima, Portugal proving that our lady was appearing to three young shepherd children with a vital learning. THis miracle was witnessed by around 70,000 people who gave authenticity to this happening.

Not just a historic event, this day demonstrated the dancing sun which was fully unbelievable. But it happened! However, this is one of the greatest Portuguese festivals & Celebrations when it comes to historic centennial events.

November

Feira da Castanha, Chestnut Fair (Marvão)

In the month of November, between the period of 22nd and 24th, Lousa celebrates a unique chestnut fair. This will be the 33rd festival being held at the Municipal Exhibition Park which is dedicated to the typical products.

In this unique festival, you will witness dozens of exhibitors including producers, beekeepers, traders of chestnuts and other products in addition to the royal products, chestnuts and honey. You will be surprised to see the variety of delicacies and the kind of entertainment where there will be no boredom. Lively three days disclosing the handicrafts and gastronomy of the region! Definitely one of the best Traditional Festivals in Portugal!

Festa da vinha e do vinho, Vine and wine festival (Borba)

Being held at the Borba’s municipal fair and exhibition centre, the Vine and Wine festival will begin in November. There are renowned events in Alentejo promoting the wine growing culture of the whole region as well as other products.

In this festival, you will have the music entertainment topo in addition to the exciting activities. Interestingly, this festival is 25 years old which dedicates its nine days to celebrate viticulture as well as Alentejo cuisine.

December

Festas Nicolinas, Students’ Feasts (Guimaraes)

St Nicholas Festivities in Guimaraes are the most popular and oldest academic festivity in Portugal. With roots dating back to three centuries, these festivities are dedicated to celebration every year by Guimaraes students.

This way a week of autumn is transformed into a tradition each year when new and old students get together to celebrate. Nowadays, Nicholas festivities are part of the city’s heritage and everyone knows about it. During this whole week, Nicolinos celebrate joy, reunion, friendship and continuity of a tradition.

Holidays & Festival in Portugal in 2024

Through September 8: Feira de São Mateus, Viseu (southeast of Porto; historic fair)

Through September (Sunday evenings): Somersby Out Jazz, Lisbon (free outdoor concerts; includes soul, funk, hip-hop)

August 25–September 15: Madeira Wine Festival

October 5: Republic Day (closures)

October 6: Lisbon Marathon

October 13: Major pilgrimage to Fátima (Peregrinação de Fátima)

November 1: All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos-os-Santos; closures)

December: Vila Natal, Óbidos (Christmas lights, ice rink, performances); various Christmas markets (most notably several in Lisbon and a Germanic one at the Algarve’s Vila Vita Parc resort in Porches)

December 1: Restoration of Independence Day (Restauração da Independência; parade on Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade, closures)

December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição, closures)

December 24: Christmas Eve (Véspera de Natal, midnight mass then feast)

December 25: Christmas Day (Natal, closures)

December 31: New Year’s Eve (Noite de Ano Novo, fireworks, banging of pots and pans)

How to get Portugal Visa

Once you have decided to attend these incredible festivals in this enchanting country, you might be searching for an authentic agency to get the visa. If you are feeling unsure about how to secure the visa timely and get the Portugal visa appointment, then don’t worry.

PORTUGAL VISA has years of expertise in booking the next day VFS Portugal appointment and managing the application process. We are a reliable and authentic team working for visa services for UK residents and offering them secure visa procedures.

If you are visiting the country as a tourist, you will require the Portugal tourist visa which will be valid for 90 days. We always recommend initiating your visa procedure months before your planned trip, so that there is no space for rejection or delays.

Here is our secure and safe procedure with four steps:

Fill the application form correctly and pay the asked fee. Before submission, ensure that application details are error free
Once you have submitted the application, our team will assist you regarding appointment booking and book the slot with the visa centre as per your preferences.
Along with all the mandatory documents, visit the visa center and get the documents verified. Along with the documents, give your biometric details too.
Once you are done with the verification, you will successfully get your visa within 15 working days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that festivals in Portugal are exciting and joyful as always. All the distinctive festivals have their own charm and activities. Once you attend Portugal’s great festivals and get a better experience of their culture, you will be left waiting for the next one.

This guide covering the incredible Traditional Festivals in Portugal shall help you plan your visit to Portugal wisely. The cultural and historic festivities will take you to the rooted history of this vibrant country. These music festivals will certainly assure a good vacation.

So, apply for Portugal visa from UK timely and attend the festivals to experience something new!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the national festival of Portugal?

Carnival in Portugal is the annual festival ending on Shrove Tuesday.

Which festival is the largest in Portugal?

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament is the largest Portuguese feast in the world welcoming 100,000 visitors on Madeira field each year.

Is a visa necessary to attend the festivals in Portugal?

Yes. Being a tourist in this Schengen country, you are required to have a visa to explore the festivals.

Portugal is a pleasant and extremely popular country noted for its stunning beaches and cliffs. Aside from that, the great architectural landmarks and rich history will astound you when you visit Portugal. In addition to that, the country has some beautiful cities like Porto & Lisbon that are a treat to visit. Aside from all this, the unique experiences like horseback rides in the Alentejo region or checking out the westernmost point of Europe at Cabo da Roca will give you amazing memories for life. All of these wonderful attractions, sights and destinations draw numerous holidaymakers from around the world including Filipino citizens and passport holders living in the UK. But, in order to go to Portugal, you will need to apply for a Portugal visa for Filipino citizens. What is the exact process? Is there an easy way to book the appointment? What are the requirements? Learn about all this and much more to ensure a hassle-free Portugal visa process!

Are Filipino Citizens Required to get a Visa for Portugal?

When you first check out Portugal, you will quickly find out that it is one of the most gorgeous countries that you will come across. This is one of the biggest reasons why many holidaymakers from across the world which also includes Filipino citizens visit Portugal.

Usually, any person who wants to travel from one country to another will need to get a visa. So, if you are a Filipino citizen or a passport holder living in the UK then you will need to apply Portugal visa for Filipino citizens to visit Portugal.

Pro Tip: Apply for the Portugal visa in advance to enjoy a smooth and convenient acquisition experience. This will allow you to easily visit the country and have a great time!

What are the Types of Portugal Visa?

You can choose from a variety of Portugal visa for Filipino citizens and apply based on the intention and duration of your visit to Portugal. Typically, the nationality of the applicant helps you determine if you need to apply for the visa to travel to Portugal.

When applying for a Portugal, you will come across different variants of it. Here are some of the most common ones that you should know:

Portugal Tourist Visa for Filipino Citizens: As the name of the visa suggests, it allows the holder to go to Portugal as a tourist. The maximum validity of a tourist visa is 90 days. This means, you can visit Portugal and explore its incredible beauty for up to 3 months!
Portugal Long Stay/Multiple Entry Visa: This type of Portugal visa allows you to stay in Portugal for longer durations i.e., more than 3 months. On the other hand, a multiple entry visa will allow you to go to Portugal, exit it and then re-enter the Portugal multiple times within the validity period of the visa.
Portugal Family Visit Visa: This visa allows you to visit your family members, relatives or friends staying in Portugal.
Portugal Business Visa: This visa for Portugal enables you to visit Portugal for business purposes. The can include attending business meetings, conferences, establishing professional business contacts and other business-related purposes.
Portugal Visa for Children: This type of Portugal visa is specifically offered for children who want to go to Portugal for short-term visits.

Document Requirements Portugal Visa for Filipino Citizens

While planning to apply for a Portugal visa, one of the most important things that you should know about is the documentation requirements.

The visa authorities request all the applicants applying for a Portugal visa for Filipino citizens from the UK to submit specific documents according to their purpose of visit. Here are the standard documents that you will be required to furnish:

Portugal Visa Application: Fill out the online Portugal visa application by providing all the necessary details. Additionally, remember to sign it once you’ve printed it.
Photographs: Please submit two recent photos (no more than three months old). To adequately showcase every feature on your face, photos must be shot against a light background.
Passport: Please submit your passport, which should remain valid for an extra three months after you leave Portugal. You must have received the passport within the last ten years.
UK Residence Permit: Present a valid residence permit as proof of your legal entitlement to remain a resident of the United Kingdom.
Copies of the previous visas (if any)
Travel Insurance: It is imperative that you have comprehensive travel health insurance to protect you while visiting Portugal. To cover medical situations, it is necessary to acquire travel medical insurance, with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000.
Proof of accommodation: Present a confirmation letter from the lodging establishment (hotel, hostel, etc.) for your reservation. The dates that you will be staying at that specific location should be included in the reservation confirmation.
Proof of Travel: You are also requested to submit a booked train or flight ticket that will help you to go to Portugal and leave from the country at the end of your visit. These should be included in the documents showing the type of transportation that you will be taking. This document should clearly indicate your name, the days or dates when you travel, and other crucial details. If you are driving or travelling by car, you need to bring your driver’s license, the paperwork proving your car’s registration, and any additional information that might be required. If you wish to use a ferry within Portuguese territory, copies of your ferry tickets are probably needed. In addition, a comprehensive itinerary outlining your visits and accommodations within the Portugal region must be submitted.
Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: A visitor to Portugal is required to present valid documentation attesting to the fact that they have enough funds in their bank account to cover their expenses while travelling in Portugal.
Cover Letter: Furnish a well-written cover letter outlining your reasons for wanting to visit Portugal and why you need a Portugal visa. Important information such as the length of your stay, the day you depart Portugal for the UK, and other facts should be included in this cover letter. You must provide copies of the passports, a letter from the host or sponsor, and any other documentation (if any) with your application for a Portugal visa if you plan to visit your friends, family or relatives.

Additional Portugal Visa Document Requirements

There are a few more requirements that you should be aware of in addition to the standard paperwork. These documentation requirements are typically determined by the applicant’s profile or category.

If employed

Employment Agreement
Bank statements for the last six months
Leave authorization from the employer
Income Tax Return (ITR) Documents

If self-employed

A copy of the company/business license
Bank statements for the last six months
A letter of invitation from the appropriate authority
Documents that clearly reflect your role as a company employee or a part of the business.

If a student

Documentation of acceptance (from university)
A certificate of no objection from a university or school

If retired

Statement of pension for the previous six months.

How to Book a Portugal Visa Appointment for Filipino Passport Holders Living in the UK?

One of the first things that you should do after collecting all the required documents is booking a Portugal visa appointment. Usually, travelers have a hard time securing an appointment on time. But with PORTUGAL-VISA, you can easily navigate the entire process in 2 simple steps. This is what you should do:

1). Visit our website to duly fill out a Portugal visa application online and pay a small fee for getting your appointment booked.

2). Receive a call from one of our visa specialists who will thoroughly understand your requirement of going to Portugal. They will then proceed to schedule an appointment for you according to your availability.

This is the easiest way to book a Portugal Schengen Visa Appointment from UK For Filipino Citizens!

What the Easy Steps to Apply for Portugal Visa for Philippine Citizens?

Are you looking for the easiest of ways to travel from the United Kingdom to the charming country of Portugal? Then you have landed at the right place! The entire process to apply for a Portugal visa for Filipino Citizens from UK is super easy if you just follow these four steps.

Step 1: To start the process of getting a Portugal visa, duly fill a Portugal visa application online from the UK and after that pay a nominal fee for appointment booking.

Step 2: Our Portugal visa specialist will contact you to meticulously understand your travel requirements for Portugal visit. After that, they will schedule an appointment for you at the visa centre based on your convenience and availability.

Step 3: Arrive at the visa centre on the day of your arranged appointment with all of the requested paperwork.

Step 4: You will receive your passport and Portugal visa UK securely delivered via courier in a few days.

Can I Apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa for Filipino Citizens to visit other Schengen nations?

Yes, you can easily apply for a Schengen Visa so that you can visit around 27 Schengen countries during your Portugal vacation. Plan your Schengen trip in such a way that you stay in Portugal for the longest duration or enter Portugal first when you travel to the Schengen region.

Conclusion

The entire process of applying for a Portugal visa for Filipino citizens which mainly includes booking an appointment is super easy if you follow the given steps carefully. And with round the clock assistance from PORTUGAL-VISA, you can rest assured of a hassle-free and blazing fast Portugal visa experience. So, nothing should hold you back from visiting Portugal. Simply go to our website to apply for the Portugal visa and kick start your preparations for a delightful trip to the charming country of Portugal.

FAQs

What is the processing time of Portugal visa for Filipino passport holders?

The usual processing time for a Portugal visa ranges between 10 to 15 days. But, if you furnish all of the required documents correctly, then you can expect to get your Portugal visa quickly.

Why did my Portugal visa get rejected?

Applying for a Portugal visa can be a complicated task and if you miss out on something, then it usually leads to visa rejections. Some of the most common reasons for visa rejection are incomplete Portugal visa application form, lack of proof of accommodation/travel/funds/travel insurance or failure to provide an invitation letter from the sponsor or family member.

What is the best time to visit Portugal with a family?

The best time to go to Portugal with your family for having an incredible time is during the seasons of Spring (April & May) or Fall (September & October). You will find that during these seasons, crowds are fewer and the weather is delightfully mild which is a boon for family trips!

What are the best places to see in Portugal for the first time?

If you are going to Portugal for the very first time, you should not miss out on the popular destinations like Lisbon and Porto. Apart from this, the Algarve region is another incredible place that offers a variety of beaches, dramatic cliffs and charming towns.