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.
