Have you ever heard that “life is two days and Carnival is three”? The famous expression captures the essence of this festive occasion in Portugal, where the spirit of carnival brings people together in a joyous celebration of life. Whether in bustling cities or quaint villages, the streets come alive as people immerse themselves in the revelry, donning masks and costumes. While Venice dazzles with glamorous masks and Rio de Janeiro pulsates with samba parades, Portugal boasts a rich tapestry of cultural manifestations, making it challenging to select just one carnival destination.
Creativity and cultural diversity reign from North to South. In various cities across Portugal, we can see magnificent floats – some adorned with satirical references to national and international issues –, parading through the streets and captivating onlookers with their vibrant displays. In other places, the spectacle includes drumming groups, choreographed performances to the lively rhythms of carnival music, and parades featuring participants dressed in striking traditional costumes or masks, metamorphosing into mythical creatures and enchanting characters.
Regardless of the location, the atmosphere will be electrifying, filling the air with contagious energy and boundless enthusiasm. People cast aside their inhibitions and fully embrace the celebration of life, even in the midst of less inviting temperatures (since the festivities take place in winter). Young or old, locals or visitors, everyone joins in the revelry, sharing laughter and creating cherished memories.
So, are you wondering where to go for the Carnival in Portugal? We have curated a selection of standout destinations that truly shine for their distinctiveness, rich traditions, and, of course, endless fun.
FROM CLASSIC TO THE MOST ECLECTIC CARNIVAL
TORRES VEDRAS
The Carnival of Torres Vedras is one of the most popular in the country. According to the participants, known as “foliões”, it is the most Portuguese Carnival in Portugal. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why. No one can remain indifferent to its unparalleled originality and audacious creativity. Picture this: allegorical floats that cleverly satirize political and social themes; “matrafonas”, men dressed as women, clumsily parading with unruly wigs and comically exaggerated movements; and the “cabeçudos” with their colossal heads towering over small bodies, a sight so uniquely artistic that it will leave you in awe. And let’s not forget the lively beats of the “Zés Pereiras”, playing drums and creating a symphony of contagious music that will have you dancing along. As you can imagine, endless fun and revelry await you in Torres Vedras. It’s a show you’ll remember for a lifetime!
PODENCE
In the village of Podence, you will experience the most authentic Carnival in Portugal! The festivities beckon with a magical blend of tradition and imagination, where past and present intertwine in a vibrant celebration of life. At the center of this exuberant Carnival are the enigmatic Caretos. Every year, the men of the village don flamboyant costumes adorned with woolen fringes in dazzling shades of yellow, red and green. They wear masks with pointed noses made of leather or brass and carry rattles that jingle around their waists, along with canes of revelry in their hands. With boundless energy, they storm the streets, embodying the essence of joy and fun as they run, jump, and interact with people. In this Carnival extravaganza, there’s still room for mock weddings, creating moments of uproarious humor and biting satire. In 2019, the Carnival of Podence rightfully earned its place on UNESCO’s prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
OVAR
Revelry and joy conquer the city of Ovar for several glorious days. The reason is simple: everyone yearns to be part of this sensational celebration and, trust us, one day is just not enough to soak up all the excitement! Prepare for a whirlwind of festivities, including open-air music concerts, magnificent float shows, parades of revelers in clown costumes, and even a children’s carnival. Let’s not overlook the illustrious king and queen of this Carnival, captivating figures who call everyone’s attention, from the youngest to the youngest in spirit. But that’s not all! If you have a penchant for humor, you cannot miss the “Collective Joke” competition, where participants engage in a spirited battle of wits, weaving social satire into their themes with remarkable finesse. And if you’re a fan of samba (yes, samba in Portugal!), get ready for the mesmerizing parades of the samba schools, as they unleash an explosion of vibrant colors, electrifying rhythms, and awe-inspiring choreography.
