When traveling to Portugal, visitors have a chance to immerse themselves in the many events occurring in Portugal throughout the year. “Festas” as the festivals are called open the door to Portugal’s rich culture and history. The Portugese hold a deep appreciation and respect for their history and many festivals have been around for centuries.

There are also more modern festivals and events in Portugal that are exhibited around the country, many of which include film and art and define modern culture as it unfolds. Events in Portugal illustrate pilgrimages, cuisine, religious festivals, traditional dance, music, literature, firework displays and more.

In January the Algarve region hosts the Festa das Chouricas (Smoked Pork Sausages Festival) which is to honor St. Luis, the patron saint of animals. The Portugese do love their pork! In Portugal events celebration there is a procession and a roasted “chourica” tasting.

In the spring Portugal events run rampant. In Lisbon the annual International Half Marathon kicks off and is considered to be one of the most important athletic events in Lisbon. Some other Portugal events in spring include the World Fencing Cup, International Guitar Festival, May Fair and Wine Festival.

Another of the great Portugal events in the Algarve is the Festival do Marisco which is all about the seafood and begins in the second week of August. Shellfish is the star of this revered festival and if you love seafood don’t miss it! There are tons of fresh mussels, fish and oysters right out of the ocean and there are live musical performances as well. Other Portugal events include the Feast of Assumption on August 15, the International Film Festival in the Beiras region and the Jazz Festival in Lisbon, both in September.

A Portugal festival can be enjoyed virtually any time of year! Three stages and over 70 bands define the Rock in Rio Lisbon Festival starting at the end of May. In Batahla there are many things to do at the International Handicrafts & Gastronomy Fair and Wine Festival. Featuring desserts, handicrafts, traditional cuisine and lots of famous Portugal wine, this is a fun Portugal festival to attend with lots of things happening.

In October the Portugal Festival of Puppets begins in Alcobaca near Fatima and in northern Portugal the favorite grape harvest festival starts up and continues into the middle of the month. This is one of the major events in Portugal in the oldest wine region in the world. Festivities are held throughout the valley and there are traditional meals for dining, tanks completely filled with grapes and traditional music echoing through the valley.

Major events of Portugal include the Festivals of Popular Saints ( Festas dos Santos Populares) in Lisbon. This begins in June and creates one giant celebration visitors won’t want to miss! The first of the major events in Portugal is Festa de Santo Antonio on June 12th and 13th. There is a huge parade and streamers everywhere you look. The district of Alfama is the best choice for celebrating where the enthusiasm is incredible! The second is Festa de Santo Antonio happening on June 23rd and 24th and Festa de Sao Joao, or St. John, follows the two others on June 28th and 29th.

It’s evident that there is an incredible number of events, fairs and festivals held in Portugal all year long. Some are distinct to certain regions while many are celebrated throughout the country. When visiting be sure to attend a festival if possible and be prepared for a Portugese celebration unlike any other!