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Colors of Leiria - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Leiria is a beautiful city with rich historical traditions, to which local residents dedicate an interesting holiday every year. In July, they organize an annual festival of the medieval culture known as Leiria Medieval. The 3-day program of this event invariably attracts lots of tourists. The main venue of the festival is a historic castle that dates back to the early 12th century. It was built by order of the first king of Portugal Afonso Henriques. Now the ancient castle serves as an important cultural center for townspeople.
Your active city break in Leiria. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
In Leiria, travelers have many interesting attractions to explore. They can visit the legendary stadium Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, which was built specifically for the period of the … Open
It hosts beautiful historical holidays, and on the festival days, the medieval castle comes to life in the literal sense of the word. At every step, one can see people in beautiful old costumes, listen to traditional music, try the best treats and take part in unusual historical activities. Entertainment programs are also organized outside the castle, on the city's main squares and parks.
The main events of the festival are theatrical performances, which are arranged right in the open air. Among the most spectacular are the knightly tournaments with the use of real medieval weapons. Also, guests of the historical holiday can participate in beautiful fairs, watch dance performances and music concerts. This holiday is characterized by a very warm family atmosphere, many of its entertainments are designed specifically for children. They are entertained by jesters and actors, as well as interesting children's games and competitions. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Advices to travellers: what you should know while being in Leiria
1. Leiria is a fairly small city so it's comfortable to explore its attractions and most beautiful places on foot. The main form of public transport is the bus, by which one can get to any … Open
A significant part of the festive program is devoted to traditional crafts. Everyone can observe the work of professional blacksmiths, woodcarvers, and artists, as well as learn the basics of craft art. It must be said that such a historical festival always attracts gourmets. On festive days, specialties can be enjoyed at local restaurants that specialize in medieval cuisine. They prepare meat over an open fire and serve various types of sausages, which began to be produced in the region hundreds of years ago. Traditional sangria becomes the main festive drink.
leiria For tourists, the festival is a great opportunity to buy unusual souvenirs as a keepsake of the trip. The selection of souvenirs at local fairs is huge, from traditional spices and handmade jewelry to rare delicacies and handicrafts made by local artisans. Such a beautiful historical festival is a chance to get acquainted with the centuries-old local customs.
Extraordinary weekend in Leiria - unusual places, services and attractions for travel gourmet
… Open
The summer season in Leiria is also rich in other interesting holidays. In early June, the city hosts the International Modern Music Festival. Among its participants are famous performers of jazz, classical music, fado, and other music genres. This festival is always open to talented beginners, its program lasts several weeks.
Miniférias Leiria residents are very friendly and cheerful people who always pay due attention to their culture and are very welcoming to foreign guests. The Portuguese town is characterized by a very calm atmosphere. Even in the busy center of the city, there are almost no high-rise buildings. Most of its area is occupied by three- and four-story buildings, which make the appearance of the city very cute and harmonious. Nevertheless, the townspeople are used to a very modern and active rhythm of life.
Shopping in Leiria - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques
In Leiria, you can visit lots of interesting stores and souvenir shops. One of the best shoe stores in town is Calzados. It sells shoes for both men and women, this store won recognition of … Open
An interesting feature of Leiria is the abundance of pedestrian and bicycle paths, sports stadiums, and specially equipped playgrounds for children. Leading an active lifestyle is inherent for people of all ages here. Even older people go cycling and hiking regularly, and in the morning, one can often see young people on an everyday run. In the daytime, life is in full swing in the city, local people are going about their business and just strolling around.
Miniférias All tourists can feel like real locals here. Foreign travelers discovered Leiria relatively recently, the number of tourists increased significantly after 2004 when the UEFA European Football Championship was held in the city. Today, the city has quite a few tourist-oriented restaurants, cultural and entertainment centers. Going to a park or a restaurant, one can spend time together with the townspeople, observe their behavior and appreciate their cheerful and enthusiastic attitude to life.
This guide to traditions and festivals in Leiria is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Leiria and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Leiria
♥   Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Pena, Leiria, 1.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória, Batalha, 10.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça, Alcobaça, 27.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Convento de Cristo, Tomar, 36.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Santarém, 57.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Leiria
♥   Castle 'Castle of Leiria' , 0.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Ourém' , 21.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Tomar' , 36.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Soure' , 37.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Penela' , 46.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Almourol' , 47.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Montemor-o-Velho' , 48.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Leiria
Detailed Leiria maps
Leiria photo gallery

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Colors of Leiria in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Leiria

Cascais
Locals are very proud of their history and culture. Travelers, who want to understand indigenous people better, are recommended to learn some rules of etiquette. First of all, never question or criticize the historical merits of local population. Any criticism can be the reason for a strong offense. History is one of the topics that are not recommended for a conversation. ... Open »
Porto
Local people have numerous interesting traditions that must be definitely followed during the celebration of important dates and events. As vine is known as one of the most important national symbols, the presence of grape on a holiday table has always been a good sign. On New Year's night, when the clock strikes midnight, it’s necessary to make a wish and eat a grape. If ... Open »
Guimaraes
Locals are good-natured, positive, and cheerful people. You can always ask for help if it's needed - they simply cannot refuse, it is against their principles. Friendship for them is not just a word, but “a way of life”. They know how to be good friends like nobody else and never leave a friend in need, even if requires sacrificing any principles. This is because ... Open »
Braga
Residents of Braga are funny and positive people. They are very hardworking, but, just like others they like to relax. National holidays in Braga are always celebrated in a big scale and are usually accompanied by interesting rituals. It should be noted that the reason for a celebration can be absolutely unexpected one. People in Braga celebrate various religious festivals, ... Open »
Merida
In July and August, Merida hosts another interesting festival dedicated to classical theatrical art. This holiday is one of the largest of its kind in Spain, it starts in early July and continues until the end of the summer. Theater troupes from many countries of the world join the international event. The main goal of the festival is to promote theater among youth. ... Open »
Vigo
Locals are proud and restrained, and it's not easy for them to ask for help - it’s quite difficult, because of natural haughtiness, of course. Women in Vigo are also strikingly different from the image of burning Spanish Carmen - they are self-sufficient and can do any men's work, if necessary. Native people do not rush into battle without thinking about the consequences ... Open »
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Leiria. Learn the best periods to visit Leiria to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Leiria.
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