Fiesta calendar
Following is a selection of
the most popular Portuguese festivals 2nd folkloric events, listed according to
the five Bazak regions of Portugal, which correspond to the Tourist Regions
found in the last chapter, Tourist Routes. Thus you will find it easier to try
and time your visit in a certain area, so as to take in the local Fiesta en
route.
New Year's Day ‑ 1 January
Portuguese National Day ‑ 10th June
Corpus Christi ‑ Thursday of 8th week after Easter
The Assumption ‑ 15th August
Republic Day ‑ 5th October
All Saint's Day ‑ 1st November
Independence Day ‑ 1st December
Immaculate Conception ‑ 8th December
Christmas ‑ 25th December.
Estarreja : 15th January. Annual feast of St. Amaro, held in the
village by same name. Cattle transactions.
Obidos : 17th January. Picturesque pilgrimage of St. Antao.
Ancião: 24th January. "Pinhões" (pine nuts) ‑ annual
fair with various transactions.
Bombarral: 2nd February. Annual two‑day fair honoring S. Brás.
Large crowds and dealers by transactions, mainly cattle.
Abrantes: 24th February ‑ 5th March. Traditional fair in honor
of S. Mateus. Dealings in Barcelos pottery, clothing, jewelry, footwear,
cutlery and furniture. Amusement stalls.
Ovar Estoril and Torres
Vedras: Saturday before Shrove
Tuesday. Four day carnival with cart and wagon processions, flower battles and
folkloric groups.
Torres Novas: 12‑19th March. S. Gregorio commercial and fun fair,
held annually.
Ponte de Sor: 19th March. Important annual cattle fair in honor of
S. José.
Leiria: 25th March‑3rd April. Commercial fair with popular
amusements, attracting large crowds.
Almeirim: 27th March. "Passos" Fair, coinciding with
religious festival of "Senhor dos Passos". Mainly stockbreeding;
colorful procession of herdsmen.
Alcochete: 10th April. Traditional fishermen's celebrations in
the sanctuary of "Nosa Senhora da Atalaia". Typical and unique
festivities originating four hundred years ago.
Santarém: 10th‑25th April. Annual Fair of the
"Miracle" and religious celebrations of the Holy Eucharist Miracle at
the church of same name.
Constância: 11th April. Ancient, traditional festival of
"Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem" (Our Lady of Good Voyage). Procession
with statue of Virgin borne on fishermen's shoulders to meeting point of Zezere
and Tagus rivers; blessing of flag decorated boats.
Sesimbra: 3rd‑5th May. Traditional festivities dating back to
the 16th century, unique in southern Portugal. Statue of "Nosso Senhor das
Chagas" (Our Lord of the Wounds) venerated by fishermen; main event is
procession on 4th May; folkdances, fireworks and amusements in evening.
Fátima: 12th‑13th May. First of two great annual pilgrimages
to Sanctuary of Lady of Fátima. Entirely religious.
Vila Franca de Xira: 19th May. Pilgrimage in honor of "Senhor da Boa
Morte" (Our Lord of Good Death). Religious celebrations, folkdances, brass
bands.
Santarém: 4th Sunday in May. Great annual Ribatejo Fair, lasting
two weeks. Folk groups, evening festivities, bullfights.
Santarém: 6th‑20th June. The most important agricultural fair
in Portugal, with large numbers of exhibitors. Different agricultural specialty
each day; bullfights, horseracing, motor races, Fados, guitar concerts, etc.
Lisbon: 9th‑25th June. International Fair, organized by
Portuguese Industrial Association.
13th‑29th June. Popular
Saints' Festivals. Decorated streets and houses, processions, fireworks,
nightly dancing, competitions, etc. Communal celebration of 60 marriages at
Cathedral on 13th.
Porto: 20th June. Popular Saints' Festivals or "City
Festivals". St. John's Eve traditionally attracts large crowds to Fountain
has Square, from which typical "rugas" throng through streets singing
and dancing all night.
Sintra: 26th‑28th June. S. Pedro's annual festival with
craftsmen's fair, cattle show, popular dance exhibitions, musical competitions,
serenades, etc.
Alcanena: 29th June. Great
village festival honoring St. Peter. Visitors from all over Portugal.
Vila Franca de Xira: 3rd‑16th July. "Colete Encarnado" (Red:
Waistcoats) ‑ festivities traditionally with herdsmen procession, bulls running
through streets, 'bullfights, regional foods, local folkdancing by herdsmen and
fishermen.
Setúbal: 25th July‑8th August. St. Jame's trade fair,
including bullfights, fireworks, folk groups.
Figueiro dos Vinhos: 25th‑27th July. Important annual fair honoring St.
Pantaleao. Visitors from all over Portugal, particularly earthenware dealers.
Amusement park.
Pombal: 31st July. Four day festival and fair of
"Bodo".
Tomar: (leap years). Tabuleiros Fair, lasting 4 days.
Celebrations keeping alive ceremonies organized by Holy Spirit Brotherhood,
order founded in 14th century by Queen Saint Isabel. Street procession of girls
in white bearing platters, piled with threaded leaves, wheat, paper ‑flowers,
etc., on their heads, as tall as the girls. Also folk dancing, fireworks, etc.
Constancia: 2nd‑9th August. Popular trade fair of the Martyrs.
Coruche: 6th‑17th August. Celebrations in honor of
"Nossa. Senhora do Castelo" (Our Lady of the Castle), town's patron.
saint. Religious and secular festivities.
Alcochete: 2nd Sunday in August. "Green Hat" (Barrete
Verde); Festival, with blessing of the salt‑works, bullfights, open‑air feasts.
Arruda dos Vinhos: 14th‑16th August. Religious ceremonies in honor of
Our Lady of Salvation. Open‑air dancing, popular amusements.
Batalha: 14th‑16th August. District festivities and commemoration
of Battle of Aljubarrota. Fair in district capital, folkloric events, nightly
dancing in streets.
Barreiro: 14th‑20th August. Religious ceremonies, procession,
popular fairs, trade fair, commercial and industrial exhibitions.
Caldas da Rainha: 15th‑17th August. Important and popular fair.
Sintra: 2nd fortnight in August. International Music Festival:
Santarém: 27th August‑3rd September. "Alcanhoes" annual fair,
particularly attractive to dealers.
Lisbon: 4th September Fair of Light ("Luz") in Luz
Square.. Centuries‑old, nowadays almost entirely devoted to regional pottery.
Nazaré: 8th‑17th September. Great Festival of Our Lady of
Nazareth at Sítio, including religious ceremonies, fair, folk groups,
bullfights, popular amusements.
Santarém: 8th‑15th September. Tower Fair in "Torre do
Bispo" (Bishop's Tower). Attended by many people.
Moita: 10th‑15th September. Very popular fair in honor of
"Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem" (Our Lady of Good Voyage). Minho‑type
fair, solemn religious procession, bullfights, bulls running through streets,
fireworks, etc.
Sobral de Monte Agraco: 11th‑15th September. Summer fair with commercial
interest. Popular amusements.
Leiria: 11th September (liable to change). Miracle Feast, in
parish 8 km. from Leiria. Important district feast with religious and rustic
festivities.
Benavente: 18th‑20th September. Important Ribatejo fair,
attended by crowds from all the country. Two bullfights normally.
Sesimbra: 18th September. Cape Espichel, 12 km. from Sesimbra.
Feast of "Nossa Senhora do Cabo", dating back to 13th century.
Organized by fishermen only, it is very typical and interesting.
Vila Franca de Xira: 2nd Octobre. Gay
fair with commercial displays, popular amusements, bulls running through
streets, herdsmen parading on horseback, bullfights, dancing.
Santarém: 9th‑22nd October. Great fair of Our Lady of Sorrow.
Biggest Ribatejo fair, with cattle, bullfights, amusements. Tourist attraction.
Fátima: 12th‑13th October. Second great annual pilgrimage to
sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.
Sintra: 16th‑22nd October. Important, gay "Merces"
fair, at parish of same name.
Tomar: 20th‑22nd October. "St. Iria's" Fair and
Feast, one of the oldest and most important in the region.
Cartaxo: 1st‑3rd November. All Saints' Fair, among the most
important and popular of the Ribatejo.
Golega: 10th‑12th November. St. Martin's Fair, unique in
Portugal, is important and well attended. Includes exhibitions, shows,
competitions and blessing of horses.
AREA II : The Algarve, Center City ‑ Faro
Silves (S. Bartolomeu de
Messine) : 26th January. Traditional
fair with amusement grounds, open air restaurants, business transactions.
Loule and Portimão: 20th‑23rd February. Carnival and Almond Gatherers'
Fair, with cart processions, battles of flowers, folk groups, Beauty Queens
parade.
Loule: 24th‑26th February. Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Pity
("Piedade"), most important in southern Portugal. Processions,
fireworks, dancing, sporting events, amusements. Large crowds attracted by
excitement.
Castro Marim: 14th‑16th August. Pilgrimage and fair in honor of
"Nossa Senhora do Socorro" (Our Lady of Help). Religious festivities, commercial
transactions, amusements.
Albufeira: 1st‑8th September. Popular festivities of religious
nature, with folk songs.
Faro: 19th‑26th October. St. Irene's Fair, with commercial
interest and popular amusements.
Monchique: 26th‑28th October. Interesting trade fair, attracting
large crowds, with colorful and picturesque costumes.
Portimão: 11th‑18th November. Most important commercial fair in
Algarve. Popular amusements.
Crato: 1st February. "Flor da Rosa" Parish Fair.
Amusement grounds.
Ponte de Sor: 14th‑16th January. Important commercial fair. Evora:
20th January. Fair and pilgrimage bearing fruits, in honor of St. Sebastian.
Vila Viçosa: 29th‑31st January. Amusement grounds and various
transactions.
Mourao: 1st‑3rd February. Well known feast in honor of village
patroness, Our Lady of the Lamps. Religious celebrations and popular
amusements.
Évora: 2nd‑3rd February. Ancient "Pucarinhos"
(Goblets) Fair, of religious nature, with sale of local pottery.
Crato: 2nd‑3rd February. Feast and fair honoring Our Lady of
Light in parish of Val do Peso. Religious ceremonies, procession, fireworks,
country‑style festivities, concerts, balls, popular songs, commercial
transactions.
Gaviao: 2nd‑3rd February. Popular Alto Alentejo fair with
important trading.
Lousa: 3rd February. St. Brás' annual fair in Serpins.
Commercial and regional character.
Serpa: 12th April. Annual pilgrimage of Our Lady of
Guadalupe. held in Alto S. Gens. Important Easter Festivity, with amusement stalls.
Idanha‑a‑Nova: 24th April. Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of
Almurtao, with religious ceremonies, fireworks, folk dances and popular songs,
brass bands, amusements, etc.
Penamacor: 24th April. Pilgrimage honoring "Nossa Senhora
do Bom Sucesso" (Our Lady of Good Birth), in a field some 21/2 miles from
Spanish border. Amusement stalls, religious
ceremonies. Spanish
visitors..
Crato: 1st May. May Fair with merchants' stalls, especially stockbreeding;
open air restaurants and refreshment stalls.
Beja: 1st‑2nd May. Spring Fair including Trade Fair.
Exhibitions and amusement parks.
Estremoz: 8th‑9th May. Commercial Fair of Mary, with exhibits
and fun stalls.
Lousa: 22nd‑26th May. Pilgrimage and celebrations honoring
Lousa's patron saint, Our Lady of Pity. Procession from mountain to village
chapel, and back following Sunday. Refreshment and amusement facilities.
Évora: 24th‑30th June. Very popular S. Joao Fair, rich in
commercial and recreational interests.
Beja: 5th‑16th August. St. Lawrence and St. Mary trade
fairs, with displays and entertainment.
Campo Major: 4th‑7th September. Typical, regional Folk Festival,
with street decorations, folksongs, etc.
Estremoz: 4th‑6th September. Well‑known, , interesting
"September Festivities", attracting many visitors. Bullfights, fairs,
sports competitions, illuminations, etc.
Gavião: 4th‑5th September. Fair in Comeda Parish, with
pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Necessities. Important Upper Alentejo event,
attracting crowds from surroundings.
Vila Viçosa: 11th‑13th September. Famous pilgrimage honoring "Senhor
Jesus dos Capuchos" (Lord of the Capuchines), also known as Festival
of the Capuchines. Religious ceremonies, fair, fireworks, regional folklore.
bullfights ‑ all held on site of old Capuchine Monastery.
Celorico da Beira: 15th‑16th September. Large and popular fair and
pilgrimage honoring Santa Eufemia.
Sivas: 20th September. St. Matthew's annual fair, and the
pilgrimage in honor of "Senhor Jesus da Piedade" (Mercy). Important
traditional festivities attracting both locals and foreigners.
Moura: 2nd‑4th October. Town Festivities venerating patron
saint "Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo" (Hill of the Carmo). Religious
ceremonies, displays, floral games, popular amusements, shooting competitions,
bullfights, etc.
Ponte de Sor: 3rd‑5th October. Important commercial district fair.
Miranda do Corvo: 23rd‑25th January. St. Sebastian's Feast, with
religious ceremonies and amusements.
Vale de Cambra: 2nd February. "S. Brás" Pilgrimage in Vila
Chã Parish, including amusement park, commercial transactions and large country
festival at night.
Aveiro: 25th March‑25th April. Important Exhibition Fair,
including boat festival, decorated prow competition, business transactions,
amusements, etc.
Penacova: 7th‑10th April. Holy Week festivities, including
spectacular procession of Christ on Good Friday and of Resurrection on Easter
Sunday.
Viseu: 24th April. Pigrimage honoring Our Lady of Padrão,
with family picnic lunch in Baldeia.
Moimenta da Beira: 1st May. St. Torcato's pilgrimage and fair in
Cobacos. Also commercially important.
S. Pedro do Sul: 19th May. Pilgrimage in honor of "Senhora da
Saúde" (Our Lady of Health); also Ascension Festival, with traditional
blessing of cornfields, preceded by litany. Originally pagan custom.
Coimbra: 21st‑26th May. "Queima das Fitas" (Burning
of Ribbons) ‑ very attractive and popular traditional university festival.
29th May. Holy Ghost
Pilgrimage at Santo António dos Olivais, ending on following Sunday.
Religious ceremonies, amusement fair, stalls with clay pottery and miniatures.
Oliveira Hospital: 27th‑29th May. Festivities ending in important
pilgrimage of "Nossa Senhora dos Preces" (Our Lady of Prayers), in
small village of Vale de Maceira.
Vouzela: 29th May. Gay pilgrimage honoring Santa Combinhas. at
Cambra, with musical competitions of choral groups.
Vagos: 30th‑31st May. Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Vagos, with
procession, open air dancing, fireworks, amusements.
Figueira da Foz: Town Festivities of S. João, consisting of sports
competitions, bullfights, dances, processions.
Viseu: 23rd June. S. João Pilgrimage in Moinhos village. "Cavalhadas" on daybreak of 24th, according
to important 300 year old legend. Attracts numerous participants.
S. João da Madeira: 30th‑31st July. Lively festivities of St. Sebastian,
purely for amusement.
Vale de Cambra: 13th‑15th August. Pilgrimage and trade fair of Our
Lady of Health, in Gestora. Amusement stalls, open air dancing.
Vouzela: 15th August. Festival in honor of Our Lady of the Castle,
with evening festivities, including popular dancing and singing, fireworks,
etc.
Miranda do Corvo: 15th‑22nd August. "Senhora da Serra" (Our
Lady of the Mountain) Pilgrimage, in Semide village. Religious ceremonies as
well as amusements.
Trancoso: 18th‑24th August. St. Bartholomew's annual fair with a
long tradition, attracting traders from all over. Includes folkloric groups,
sports competitions, typical regional amusements, etc.
Ilhavo: 4th September. Gay district festival with pilgrimage
honoring "Nosso Senhor Jesus dos Novegantes" (Our Lord of the
Navigators). Maritime festival with splendid procession and large fair.
Arganil: 5th‑8th September. Commercial fair of Mont'‑Alto,
Including various popular amusements.
Lamego: 6th‑8th September. Famous festival and pilgrimage of
"Nossa Senhora dos Remédios". Religious ceremonies, fair, popular
amusements, folkloric groups, "rusgas", etc.
Murtosa: 7th‑ath September. "S. Paio da Torreira"
Pilgrimage, especially interesting for folklore. Typical fair with pagan
origins, traditional "Holy Bath", boat procession collecting sea‑weed
on river.
Viset: 10th September‑5th October. St. Matthew's annual
fair, attracting large crowds to colorful stockbreeding show (10th‑15th),
amusements, exhibitions of regional activities, etc.
Curia: 11th September (variable). Grand "Vindimas"
(Grape Harvest) Festival, with competitions of decorated straw hats and cotton
dresses, open air dancing, tea dances, sporting events, etc.
Ilhavo: 25th September. Touristically interesting pilgrimage
of "Nossa Senhora da Saúde" (Our Lady of Health), at Costa Nova do
Prado beach. Religious ceremonies and popular fun.
26th September. Very lively
pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of the Navigators.
Vila Nova de Gaia: 10th January. Typical feast in honor of S. Gonzalo
and S. Cristóvão in Mafamunde church, organized by Douro River boatmen.
Torras do Bouro: 3rd February. Feast and Fair of S. Brás, with
religious ceremonies, commercial transactions and amusements.
Paredes: 5th, February. Pilgrimage of Sta. Agueda in Recarei
Parish, with fair and cattle show.
Guimarães: 27th February. Fair and pilgrimage honoring S.
Torcato, with horse races, folklore shows and cattle prize presentations.
Póvoa de Lanhoso: 18th‑19th March. District festival with pilgrimage
and fair in honor of St. Joseph. Popular shows, folklore groups, fireworks,
horse races, etc. attract large numbers of tourists.
Santo Tirso: 21st March (a few weeks). S. Bento (St. Benedict)
Fair in church square o), same name. Originates in golden age of Benedictine
Order. Sale of regional pottery, miniatures, dolls, animals, statues, etc.
Braga: 7th‑10th April. Holy Week ceremonies on last four
days, with splendid
processions..
Barcelos: 2nd‑5th May. Festival of Crosses and pottery fair,
including popular dancing.
Vila Franca do Campo: 8th
May. "Rosas" (Roses) Fair, with spectacular "Mordomas"
procession on Saturday afternoon.
Matosinhos: 15th‑22nd May. Popular Pilgrimage of Our Lady of the
Hour, in civil parish of same name.
28th‑31st May. Important
pilgrimage in honor of Our Lord of Matosinhos. Also popular amusements,
fair, fireworks.
Amarante: 4th‑6th June. June Festivities, in honor of St.
Gonsalo, with exciting and interesting program, attracting large crowds.
Religious ceremonies, popular dances, amusements, battles of flowers, fireworks
displays, etc.
Vila Nova de Gaia: 4th‑7th June. Great Pilgrimage of "Senhor da
Pedra" (Our Lord of Stone) at Gulpilhares Parish, with various popular
amusements, open air dances nightly, etc.
Penafiel: 9th‑10th June. "Corpus Christi" feasts, or
Town Festivals.
Vila Real: 13th‑20th June. St. Anthony's Fair and Feast,
attracting large crowds. Cattle show and prize giving.
Moncao: "Corpus Christi" Pilgrimage and District
Festivities, including fight between St. George and dragon.
Porto: 20th June. Popular Saints' Festival with evening
festivities on St. John's Eve, in Fontainhas Square. "Rugas" of
people gather and proceed through streets, singing and dancing till morning.
Fireworks, torchfight tatoos.
Braga: 23rd‑24th June. Famous and interesting festivities in
.honor of S. João (St. John). King David's Procession through gaily decorated
streets, and dancing in nearby village.
Vila do Conde: 24th‑25th June. Lacemakers' procession with typical
costumes and illuminations, during festivities honoring town's patron saint, S.
João Baptista.
Vila Nova de Famalicao: 25th June. "S.
João Paptista" Festival in Vilarinho de Camoras village, with performance
of St. John's story according to St. Luke, on cart drawn through streets.
Guimarães: 3rd‑4th St. Torcato Pilgrimage, in parish 7 km. away.
Religious ceremonies, procession, nightly dancing, fireworks, etc.
Fafe: 9th‑11th July. Festival and pilgrimage in honor of
Our Lady of Antime, in parish of same name, 2 km. away. Religious procession,
open air mass, illuminated streets, fireworks, bands, folklore shows, candelit
processions, etc.
Mala: 10th‑12th July. District Festivals and pilgrimage of
"Nossa Senhora do Bom Despacho", of religious and popular nature,
attracting large crowds.
S. Tirso: 10th July (several weeks). Trade fair and pilgrimage
of St. Benedict. Local pottery, puppet miniatures, statuettes, etc. Ancient tradition.
Terras do Bouro: 10th‑11th July. Second annual pilgrimage of "S.
Bento da Porta Aberta" (St. Benedict of the Open Door), in Rio Caldo
village. Interesting for local color though less important than third
pilgrimage in August.
Vizela: 11th July. St. Benedict's Pilgrimage, 4 km. from
village, 1,400 ft. above sea level. Little chapel erected in 1695, surrounded
by rocks whitewashed by all who received favor from saint.
Vila do Conde: 17th July. St. Benedict's Pilgrimage in monastery
church 7 km. from town. Many people come to religious ceremonies, open air
dancing, folk dancing, side shows, trade exhibition, etc.
Valongo: 19th‑20th July (variable so as to fall on Sunday). St.
Justa's Pilgrimage, with religious ceremonies, business transactions and various
amusements.
Mondim de Basto: 21st‑23rd July. St. James's Pilgrimage to hilltop
chapel (3,000 ft. above sea level, 9 km. from town) through forest affording
magnificent views. Typical Minho amusements.
Mirandela: 25th July to following Sunday. Pilgrimage of
"Nossa Senhora do Amparo", most splendid in Trás‑os‑Montes.
Guimarães: 7th‑10th August. "Gualterianas" (St.
Walter's Festival) featuring a fair, decorated and illuminated streets, giants'
procession, torchlight procession, bullfights, fireworks, open air concerts,
floats, folklore groups, etc.
Póvoa do Varzim: 7th August. Popular pilgrimage of "Nossa Senhora
da Saúde", in chapel built on slope of St. Felix. Regional festivities, including
folksinging, fireworks, open air dancing, brass hands, refreshment stalls, etc.
Pilgrim vows, sometimes curious ones, are taken.
Amares: 10th‑15th August Pilgrimage honoring "Nossa
Senhora da Abadia" (Abbey) in Santa Maria do Bouro village: religious
ceremonies in old monastery and festivities in church square.
Terras do Bouro: 10th‑15th August. Third and most important pilgrimage
in honor of St. Benedict of the Open Door in Rio Caldo village. Greatest in
North Portugal, it is noted for its typical regional character.
Lousada: 13th‑15th. August. Interesting pilgrimage of
"Senhora Aparecida" in Torno Parish, with large crowds attending
religious ceremonies and popular amusements.
Polares: 13th‑15th August. Splendid district festivities
honoring Our Lady of Necessities, with religious ceremonies and secular
amusements of great popularity in the region.
Valenga: 13th‑15th August. Lively secular festivities of Our
Lady of Faro, Valenca's patron saint.
Vila Flor: 13th‑15th August. Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of
Assumption, with large attendance for commercial and recreational reasons too.
Peso da Régua: 14th‑20th August. Religious celebrations in honor of
Our Lady of Rosary, with procession (15th), fun fair, trade fair, commercial
and industrial exhibitions.
Póvoa de Varzim: 15th August. Impressive celebrations honoring
"Nossa Senhora da Assunção" (Assumption). Including procession,
blessing of fishing boats, fireworks, rockets, sirens.
Paços de Ferreira: 15th August. Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Pilar, at Pena
Maior. Well known regional festivities, of religious and secular nature.
Viana do Castelo: 19th‑21st August. Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Religious celebrations on first day in Viana. Large crowds of tourists
attracted to trade fair, and secular festivities on other two days, including
bullfights, marches, processions, serenades on Lima River, folk dancing, brass
bands, fireworks.
Esposende: 22nd‑24th August. Pilgrimage in honor of St.
Bartholomew of the Sea, in the parish of Mar. Linen and agriculture fair on
first day; on last day ‑ typical "Holy Bath", open air dancing,
amusements of all types.
Lamego: 25th August‑15th September. "Remédios" Fair
with commercial interest and various amusements.
Monção: 28th August (variable). Pilgrimage honoring
"Nossa Senhora das Dores" (Sorrows), attracting large crowds.
Vizela: 29th August‑3rd September (variable). Vizela Week
Municipal Festivities, in Vizela Spa. Clay pigeon shooting and fishing
contests, popular fair, fireworks, etc.
Braga: Last Sunday in August. Pilgrimage to Sameiro
Sanctuary, with procession.
Póvoa de Lanhoso: 1st‑8th September. Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of
Porto d'Ave, in Taide Parish. One of the most popular and typical in the
region, with most important days being 7th and 8th.
Miranda do Douro: 7th‑Bth September. Pilgrimage honoring Our Lady of
Nazo at Póvoa (11 km.). Folkdancing, dance of Pauliteiros especially
interesting.
Cabeceiras de Basto: 20th‑30th September. Feast and Fair of S. Miguel,
with religious ceremonies, procession, rustic festivities, fireworks, etc.
Penafiel: 11th‑21st November. St. Martin's Fair, mainly
commercial, but featuring also various amusements, attracting large crowds.
Salvaterra de Magos: 3rd Sunday in May. Annual fair.
Santarém: Last Sunday in May and 15 days following it. Ribatejo
Faro. Second Sunday in October. Piedade (Pity) Fair.
Setúbal: 25th July and following days. Santiago Fair.
Sobral de Monte Agrago: 15th August and 2nd Sunday in September. Fairs.
Tomar: Last Sunday in July. Festas dos tabuleiros (Festival
of the Trays).
Alcácer do Sal: Second Sunday in October (3 days). Fair.
Alcochete: Last week of August or first week in September. Festa
do Barrete Verde (Festival of the Green Cap).
Almeirim: Several bullfights during summer months.
Arruda dos Vinhos: 29th July. Traditional Festival 16th‑17th August.
Fair.
Barquinha: 13th June. Feast of St. Anthony.
Cartaxo: 1st May and 1st November. Feira dos Santos (Saints' Fair). Tauromachic season is symbolically marked by these
dates.
Cascais: Several bullfights during summer months.
Chamusca: Ascension Thursday. Annual fair.
Coruche: 16th‑17th. Festas do Castelo (Castle Festivals).
Lisbon: Weekly bullfights in season, at "Campo
Requeno" Bull ring.
Moita: Second Monday in September. Feast of "Nossa
Senhora da Boa Viagem" (Our Lady of Good Journey).
Montijo: 29th June and following days. Saint Pedro's Feast.
Nazaré: Second week in September. Feast of Our Lady of
Nazaré.
Vila Real de Santo
António: Several bullfights during
summer months.
Barrancos: Last three days of August. Traditional Feast. The
only arena with Spanish style bullfighting, where bull is killed.
Beja: 10th‑15th August. Festival and fair.
Estremoz: 25th July. Fair of Santiago. First Sunday in
September Fair of the Exaltation of the Sacred Cross.
Évora: 24th and 29th June. Fair and Feasts of St. John and
St. Peter.
Montemor‑o‑Novo: First Sunday in September. Annual festival.
Moura: Second Sunday in September. Traditional feast.
Portalegre: 8th June. Fair of the Cherries. 14th September. Fair
of the Onions.
Vila Franca de Xira: First fifteen days in July. Colete Encarnado
(Festival of the Red Waistcoats).
First week of October.
October Fair.
Vila Viçosa: Second Sunday in September. Festa dos Capuchos
(Festival of the Hoods).
Abiul: 1st‑5th August. Festas do Bolo (Cake Festival).
Figueira da Foz: Several bullfights during summer months.
Guimarães: 7th August. Saint Gualter's Feast.
Póvoa de Varzim: Several bullfights during summer months.
Viana do Castelo: 17th‑20th August. Feast of Our Lady of Agony.