Colorful Celebrations of Portugal: Fun Facts and Festivals

Portugal is a country full of traditions, and its calendar is filled with holidays that celebrate religion, family, and the joy of being together. Many of these holidays are rooted in Christian beliefs, while others come from seasonal customs or historic events. Although some of them fall on the same dates as in other countries, the way Portuguese people celebrate them is full of local flavor!

A Sweet and Special Portuguese Christmas

Christmas in Portugal is one of the most beloved times of the year. On the evening of December 24th, families come together to enjoy a cozy, joyful dinner that often features bacalhau (salted codfish) and regional treats like filhós (fried pumpkin dumplings) or sonhos (fluffy fritters dusted with sugar and cinnamon).

After dessert, gifts are exchanged, and some families attend “Missa do Galo” (Rooster’s Mass) at midnight. The celebrations continue on December 25th with delicious leftovers and time spent with family. Decorations usually stay up until January 6th, which is known as Dia de Reis (King’s Day), marking the visit of the three wise men.

Carnaval: Costumes, Parades, and Lots of Laughs

Shortly after the new year, it’s time for Carnaval! This celebration happens 47 days before Easter, on a Tuesday (the same day as Mardi Gras). It’s a moment of fun before the more serious time of Lent, and Portuguese people take it very seriously—with lots of silliness and color!

In rural areas, Entrudo is still celebrated with young men wearing bright fringe costumes who prank their sweethearts, often getting pelted with flour and eggs in return! Towns host lively parades where everyone joins in, dressed as everything from superheroes to pirates. For children, it’s a magical time to wear costumes to school and live out their dreams.

Easter: A Quiet Celebration of Faith and Family

Unlike Carnaval, Easter is a quieter, more reflective holiday in Portugal. Families decorate their homes and bake delicious sweets like:

• Pão-de-ló (angel cake)

• Amêndoas (sugar-coated almonds)

• Chocolate eggs

Homes are also decorated with flowers to welcome the Easter procession. When the priest arrives, he sprinkles holy water to bless the home, and the family offers sweets and food. It’s a beautiful tradition that brings everyone together, especially cousins and extended family.

Summer Fun: Saints’ Festivals Light Up the Country

Each city in Portugal has its own popular saint, and during the summer months, these “Festas dos Santos Populares” bring music, food, and fireworks to every region. One of the most famous celebrations is in Porto, where São João is honored on June 24th.

Here’s how people celebrate:

• They buy mangerico (basil) plants with cute poems stuck in the leaves

• Kids make paper lanterns that float into the sky

• Families grill sardines, pork, and peppers outdoors

• At midnight, there are fireworks, and people gently hit each other with plastic hammers or garlic flowers for fun!

It’s a truly one-of-a-kind celebration that mixes old traditions with joyful chaos—fun for all ages!

Want to Explore More Portuguese Traditions?

At Dinolingo’s Portuguese for Kids, children can discover holidays like Christmas, Carnaval, and São João through fun stories, songs, and activities. They’ll also learn how Portuguese families live, cook, and celebrate throughout the year, making language learning a rich and exciting experience.

Explore the holidays and say “Olá!” to Portuguese culture today!