Everything You Need to Know About Festas in Portugal
- mcoelho813
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 6
Quick Facts About Festas
Festas start late in the evening.
The music at Festas gets louder as the night goes on.
Most Festas celebrate a Saint.
Feira is shopping with free entry.
Festa is a party; depending on the talent, the cost could be a few euros.
Folklore dancing, or Traditional Portuguese dancing, is entertaining.
You can eat at a Feira or a Festa.
Parking is on your own.
The Portuguese people celebrate everything, even the chestnut festival, the garlic festival, the Medieval festival, Saint Anthony, and so on.
Festas are a budget-friendly activity for families.
November 2025 Events in Portugal
November 1st is a National Holiday in Portugal. This month celebrates the harvesting of olives and chestnuts.
The main festival in Lisbon during October 2025 is the Tribeca Festival Lisboa, running from October 30 to November 1, 2025.
November Events
November 1st: All Saints Day
Families visit cemeteries, decorating graves with flowers and lighting candles. The cemeteries become vibrant with color as candles illuminate the tombstones of loved ones.
Algarve Classic Festival (Portimão): The largest classic car event in Portugal, hosted at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. More than 300 teams and 500 drivers from around the world race classic sports cars.
Feira de São Martinho: This event is the oldest popular festival held in Portimão, dating back to 1662. It takes place annually in November, marking Saint Martin's Day on November 11th.
Festival Internacional Balões de Ar Quente (Hot Air Balloon Festival): Early November in Alentejo, this festival features hot air balloons across eight towns, offering free mini flights with a charity donation.
December Celebrations
Portugal modernizes Christmas with more people decorating with lights and Christmas trees. Dia do Natal (Christmas Day) on December 25 is a family festival with a tradition of burning an oak Christmas tree for good fortune.
Vespera de Ano Novo (New Year's Eve) is celebrated nationwide with fireworks, music, and the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight. Lisbon's notable celebration occurs near the tower in Belém.
The Unique Festas of Portugal
The Portuguese people celebrate Catholic holidays and saints. Each small town or village has its own unique Festa to honor a different saint. These celebrations often begin with a mass, followed by a procession, folk music, traditional dancing, lunch, entertainment, and dinner. Festas can last well into the night, with loud music and vibrant festivities.
August and September are the busiest months for festas in central Portugal. Towns fill with Portuguese migrants visiting from countries like Luxembourg, France, the USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Portugal Events, Festas, and Parties
October Events:
25/10/25: Lisbon Marathon starts in Carcavelos and finishes at Praça do Comércio, Lisbon.
Fatima: October 13th, a significant date for many.
The Food Festival
From October 16th to 26th, 2025, the city of Santarém hosts the 44th National Gastronomy Festival at Casa do Campino. This festival is a true celebration of Portuguese cuisine, bringing together a wide variety of typical dishes from various regions of the country.
Feira de Santa Iria – Tomar
When: 17-26 October 2025
Where: Tomar, central Portugal. This festival celebrates Santa Iria, the city’s patron saint. It features concerts, events, markets, and traditional rides for kids, along with shopping for homemade crafts and delicious food.
November Highlights
02/11/2025: Porto Marathon
01/11/25: All Saints Day, a day for families to honor their loved ones.
Algarve Classic Festival
The Algarve Classic Festival is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. It takes place at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, bringing together classic car lovers from around the world.
Conclusion
Festas in Portugal are vibrant, lively, and filled with cultural significance. They offer a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions and community spirit of the Portuguese people. Whether you're enjoying the music, food, or the festive atmosphere, each Festa provides a glimpse into the heart of Portuguese culture.
For more insights and practical advice on traveling in Portugal, check out my Amazon Storefront for Portugal Essentials.
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