Portugal knows how to celebrate! Like many of its Mediterranean neighbors, the Portuguese love to soak in life and enjoy their breaks from normally long work weeks.  It’s not uncommon in Portugal to work 10-12 hour days, 5-6 days a week.  When a holiday comes around, the Portuguese want to take full advantage of it.

From lively street festivals to solemn processions, public holidays here are filled with history, tradition, and plenty of opportunities for family fun. Whether you’re an expat family living in Portugal like us or planning a trip to Portugal in 2026, understanding these holidays can help you make the most of your experience. Plus, some traditions, like diving into freezing ocean waters on New Year’s Day, are too unique to miss!

As a foreign resident in Portugal from the United States, I’ve noticed how holidays here are a big deal. Unlike back home, businesses, schools, and even some restaurants completely shut down for celebrations. 

Join us as we break down the main public holidays in Portugal for 2026, share a little background, and highlight the best family-friendly traditions for each.

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Portugal’s Major Holidays

January 1: New Year’s Day (Ano Novo)

Like many countries, Portugal welcomes the new year with hope and celebration. Historically, it’s a day for rest and reflection after the festive chaos of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Many Portuguese families gather for a long lunch, often featuring bacalhau (salt cod) dishes. Meanwhile, brave souls participate in the primeiro banho do ano (first swim of the year), diving into the icy Atlantic Ocean to start the year afresh. Some also believe in eating 12 raisins, or green grapes (we tried this one this year) at midnight, making a wish for each one.  Our oldest daughter found it is a tradition in Spain to eat 12 green grapes under the table at midnight.  We had a good laugh trying to fit under the table, but we got it done!

Family Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, join a beachside event like the one in Carcavelos or Nazaré. If not, a seaside stroll with hot chocolate in hand works just as well! Kids will love the festive atmosphere by the sea.  I’m sure it’s just as fun to watch as it is to participate!  Unfortunately, we were getting over illness this year and didn’t make it out of the house at all.

Insider Insight: Be aware that many businesses and services may be closed, so plan accordingly.  We had to hurry to get some groceries on New Year’s Eve by 7 pm when all the stores and malls closed.  

April 25: Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade)

This holiday commemorates the peaceful Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended Portugal’s dictatorship. It’s a day filled with gratitude and remembrance.  Portugal’s dictatorship wasn’t unlike the Nazi regime in many ways, with secrecy, death and neighbors against neighbors.  The Portuguese are keen to forget this difficult past and embrace the freedoms and peace now available.

Parades, concerts, and exhibitions are held throughout the country, with Lisbon and Porto hosting the largest events. Children often participate in school activities commemorating the day.

Family Tip: Take the kids to see a parade. Many are family-friendly with music, flowers, and a sense of community pride. Look out for activities specifically tailored to children in larger public squares.

Insider Insight: Schools often prepare special projects about the revolution, making it a great educational opportunity for families.

June 10: Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal)

This day honors Luís de Camões, Portugal’s greatest poet, and celebrates Portuguese heritage worldwide.

Expect military parades, cultural performances, and celebrations across cities. Schools and community centers often host educational events about Camões and Portuguese history.

Family Tip: Smaller towns often host charming local events, which can be less crowded and more intimate. Pack a picnic and enjoy the festivities in a local park or town square.

Insider Insight: It’s common to hear traditional Portuguese poetry recited publicly during events.

August 15: Assumption of Mary (Assunção de Nossa Senhora)

This Catholic holiday marks the Virgin Mary’s bodily ascent into heaven. It’s one of the most significant Marian feasts in the Christian calendar and has been celebrated in Portugal for centuries. The day is not only a time for religious devotion but also a cultural event deeply rooted in Portuguese tradition.

In cities and towns across Portugal, grand processions are held in Mary’s honor, with statues of the Virgin carried through flower-decorated streets. Families gather for elaborate meals, and local churches often hold special masses. Smaller towns display vibrant street decorations, and traditional music fills the air.

Family Tip: Check out village festivities in places like Braga for a mix of tradition and local charm. Early evening processions are often quieter and more manageable for little ones.

Insider Insight: Many Portuguese families take a mini-vacation during this holiday, so beaches and tourist spots might be crowded.

October 5: Republic Day (Implantação da República)

Republic Day commemorates the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910.

While official ceremonies are mostly political, cities like Lisbon host cultural events and public speeches.

Family Tip: Explore museums, many of which offer free entry on this day. Interactive exhibits or workshops for kids are sometimes available.

Insider Insight: Public transportation may operate on a limited schedule, so check ahead.

GYG Widget – PASS Transportation

December 8: Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição)

A public holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. Church services and family gatherings mark the day. Many Portuguese families also use this day to begin their Christmas preparations.

Family Tip: Visit a festive Christmas market, as many open around this time. Kids will enjoy the twinkling lights, festive music, and sweet treats like bolo-rei.

Insider Insight: This day marks the official start of Portugal’s Christmas season.

Regional Holidays Worth Noting

• June 13: St. Anthony’s Day (Santo António) While most famously celebrated in Lisbon with sardine grilling, lively parades, and charming decorations in the Alfama district, smaller celebrations also take place in other regions where St. Anthony is honored. Lisbon remains the epicenter, but the celebration is not exclusive to the capital.
  
• June 24: St. John’s Day in Porto (São João). Expect fireworks, lanterns lighting up the sky, and the quirky tradition of tapping heads with plastic hammers.
  
• June 29: St. Peter’s Day (São Pedro). Celebrated in coastal towns with colorful festivities, boat parades, and seafood feasts.

Events and Festivals in Portugal

The normally conservative and polite Portuguese have plenty of occasions to let their hair down and celebrate throughout the year. Each community has its own patron saint and saint’s day, which are celebrated with church processions, dancing, music, wine, and fireworks. Another typical festival in Portugal is called a sarau, a sporting or cultural event where participants paint, play music, read poetry, or express themselves artistically.

Carnival (February/March)

Dating back to the 16th century, Carnival marks the beginning of Lent. Historically, it was a time for indulgence before fasting.  Now, it is kind of like Halloween for kids in February!  Kids dress up in costumes at school, and the party atmosphere reigns strong.  For adults, it is still a time of partying and indulgences, depending on what you are looking for.  There are large parties that go all night long and can involve some adult content.

Colorful parades, street parties, and traditional treats fill the cities. Major celebrations happen in Lisbon, Torres Vedras, and Loulé.

Family Tip: Kids will love the lively parades and costumes. Arrive early for a good viewing spot!

Holy Week (April/May)

Known as Semana Santa, it’s one of Portugal’s most significant religious celebrations. Elaborate processions take place, especially in Braga and Loulé.  We don’t see anything at our private school, but I’m sure religious schools (of which there are many!) participate in various ways.

Family Tip: Attend an evening procession for a more spiritual and less crowded experience.

Sintra Festival (June/July)

A cultural festival celebrating music and dance. Performances are held in palaces, gardens, and historic venues.

Family Tip: Purchase tickets in advance, and plan for evening performances.

Tips for Enjoying Holidays in Portugal With Kids

• Public transport and accommodations can get crowded. Plan travel and accommodations well in advance, especially during major festivals.
  
• Try the food, join the parades, and celebrate like a local. One of our favorite memories was watching our kids try farturas (Portuguese donuts) at a street market while a lively parade passed by.
  
• Pack snacks and water. Kids + long parades = snacks are a must. We learned this lesson at the Freedom Day parade in Lisbon when a juice box saved the day!
  
• Look for kids’ workshops. Many local events have craft workshops or kids’ activities. Check community boards or online event calendars. Our little one once painted a traditional Portuguese tile at a São João festival workshop.
  
• Holidays can mean unexpected closures or schedule changes.
  
• Bring noise-canceling headphones for little ones. Some festivals can get quite loud with fireworks, music, and parades. Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver for sensitive ears.
  
• Scout out family-friendly viewing spots early. Parades and processions can get crowded quickly. Arriving early ensures a good spot where kids can see without being overwhelmed.
  
• Have a festival survival kit. Include sunscreen, hats, hand sanitizer, and a light blanket or folding chairs for comfort during long waits.
  
• Teach kids a few key Portuguese phrases. Simple phrases like “obrigado” (thank you) and “por favor” (please) can go a long way in helping kids engage with locals and feel more involved.

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Portugal’s public holidays and festivals offer a beautiful glimpse into the country’s heart and soul. From dancing in Porto to witnessing candlelit pilgrimages in Fatima, every celebration tells a story.

From an expat perspective, these moments have become cherished memories, helping us feel truly connected to our new home. Experiencing the variety and passion behind these celebrations has deepened our appreciation for Portugal’s culture.

Enjoy your days in Portugal!

Leslie,

Additional Reading

12 Things To Do for Families in Lisbon

23 Hidden Gems Of Portugal For Families + Bonus Spots

What To See in Sintra, Portugal With Kids