Lisbon MarathonThe Lisbon Marathon is attracting more and more runners each year as its reputation extends as one of the best marathons in the world, primarily because of the beautiful city in which it is run but also because of the high level of organization. Crowds gather to cheer the runners on as they prepare to start the full marathon or the half marathon. The race starts in the Praça do Comércio and does three circular routes, east, west and north, each time returning to the start point.
Date: 7 December 2008
Website: www.lisbon-marathon.com/index.html
CarnivalThe Rio Carnival
may be the most famous in the world but it all started here in Portugal's capital. Even though today the Brazilian infused mega-carnival on the other side receives most of the international attention, the Lisbon Carnival, a celebration of the end of winter, is still a major event on the city's calendar. The entrudo is the highlight of the festival, closing on the last day, and processions of floats make their way down the colorful streets while jugglers and masked celebrators join in the cacophony of music and cheering. The focal point of the festival is in Parque Nações but parties are celebrated all along the coast.
Date: 12 - 16 February 2010
Great Orchestras of the WorldFeaturing various internationally renowned conductors and soloists, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation presents its Grandes Orquestras Mundiais (Great Orchestras of the World) series in Lisbon's Coliseu dos Recreios. The series includes performances by the BBC Symphony Orchestra (2 November); Mariinsky Theater Symphony Orchestra from St Petersburg (17 January); Philadelphia Orchestra (4 February); Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra (21 April); and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra (25 April).
Venue: Coliseu dos Recreios
Date: 2 November 2008 to 25 April 2009
Time: Various
Estoril OpenWith almost EUR530,000 in prize money, the ATP/WTA Estoril Open begins the clay court tennis season. The first two days are qualifying rounds, after which the main draw takes place. Tickets are available online or from the Pavilhão Atlântico, as well as from FNAC or El Corte Inglés stores and free transport to the stadium is available from Entrecampos, Amoreiras, Cais do Sodré and Belém.
Venue: Estadio Nacional
Date: 2 - 10 May 2009
Time: Various
Website: www.pavilhaoatlantico.pt
Lisbon Village FestivalDivided into three main categories, and held at various venues around the city, the Lisbon Village Festival showcases music, arts and film for the digital generation. The three main areas are the VIDCF film competition, which awards prizes in various categories and showcases films from Poland and Japan, among other special screenings, Village Art, which features contemporary digital art exhibits, and Village Lounge, which is where the DJs and VJs entertain directors, actors, press and visitors.
Venue: Various
Date: May to June 2009
Time: Various
Website: lisbon.villagefestival.net
Lisbon Book FairThe open-air book fair in Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII) has been a popular event on Lisbon's calendar since the 1930s. It offers visitors wonderful browsing opportunities through the dusty covers of old books, to new reads and comic books.
Venue: Edward VII Park
Date: May to June 2009
Time: Various
Website: www.feiradolivrodelisboa.pt
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Lisbon Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Portugal Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
