Portugal — Events
Changing of the Guard and Charanga
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011
On the third Sunday of each month at 1100, tourists congregate to watch the ceremonial Changing of the Republican Guard in front of the Presidential Palace in Belem just outside Lisbon city center. With cameras at the ready, tourists also gather to watch the Charanga which sees 28 horsemen from the Cavalry Regiment riding pure-bred Lusitano horses as they perform ceremonial military marches. The ritual dates back to 1910 and the end of the Portuguese monarchy.
Carnaval
February 21, 2012
The festival builds up in the period leading up to Lent to the much-anticipated climax of entrudo. Lisbon’s Parque Nações truly comes alive from mid-afternoon through to the evening with street parades, theater and other entertainment. Some of the costumes, floats and elaborate masks have to be seen to be believed.
Fantasporto
February 25, 2012 - March 5, 2012
Porto’s own international fantasy film festival, and one of Portugal’s most important film festivals, it features both blockbusters and art films.
Madeira Carnival
March 5, 2012 - March 8, 2012
Arguably up there as one of the best street parties anywhere in Europe, the Madeira Carnival brings the streets of the capital Funchal to life with its colorful carnival and parades. The biggest parade takes place on the opening Saturday, which involves thousands of participants all dressed in outlandish costumes as they dance to the sounds of the samba bands that fill the streets.
Easter
March 31, 2012 - April 6, 2012
This is one of the highlights of the religious calendar across the country. Braga hosts the biggest celebration, with Holy Week processions featuring marchers holding torches and charming floats. These lead to the parish church where flowers are laid on the floor for the priest to walk over on Easter Sunday. Fireworks and folk dancing also take place.
Madeira Flower Festival
April 1, 2012 - April 30, 2012
Each spring, as the flowers begin the bloom, the Madeiran capital of Funchal hosts the annual Madeira Flower Festival. During the colorful event, visitors can marvel at the incredible flower displays that cover the city’s streets, shops and houses as well as the wonderfully aromatic carpet of flowers. The highlight of the festival is the street procession which sees floats decorated with flowers and costumed dancers make their way through the city’s streets.
Fatima Pilgrimage
May 10, 2012 - May 12, 2012
On 13 May 1917 the Virgin Mary made her first visit to three shepherd children. Fatima was the place, and now 4 million Roman Catholics make the pilgrimage here each year. White handkerchiefs are waved to bid farewell to the Virgin Mary after she has made her way through the town in a candlelit procession. Book your accommodation well in advance.
Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
May 12, 2012 - May 13, 2012
Each year thousands of religious pilgrims travel to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima on the 12 and 13 May. The pilgrimage celebrates the date when in 1917 it is said that apparitions of the Virgin Mary (also known as Fatima in Portugal) appeared before three young shepherds on 13 May. Visitors can join in the ceremonies including the night time Candles Procession which sees thousands of visitors carry lighted candles to the site.
Sintra Festival
May 31, 2012 - July 30, 2012
Piano lovers should make this an essential stop on their trip; the summer program is made up entirely of a piano repertoire from the Romantic period. Concerts take place in churches, country estates, palaces and parks to amazing effect.
Praia Grande Beach Games
June 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012
A great way to stay in shape and enjoy the beautiful beach at Praia Grande, during the summer months beachgoers are invited to participate or watch a series of beach games. Games are open to men and women, young and old, and include such classic beach contests as boules and volley ball; Praia Grande is also great for a number of different watersports. And when all the activities get too much, retire to the shade and tranquility of the popular beach side cafe bars.
