Fun and festivities in Portugal - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

The Portuguese are known to celebrate with joy all kinds of holidays and festivals. The reasons for celebrations could range from pilgrimages, honoring the memory of numerous saints, as well as fair events. Inhabitants of the northern regions of the country celebrate local holidays by indulging in dances, various musical events, as well as traditional amusements and shows with fireworks. An indispensable attribute of the festivities is the spectacle of the bullfight with the prohibition of killing an animal.

For active traveler - national parks, landscapes and nature of Portugal

Portugal is clearly divided into the northern wooded and southern plains parts. The south of the country is characterized in its appearance by the …
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The main holidays of the year are Christmas and Easter which are traditionally celebrated with family, relatives and closest friends. The Portuguese certainly participate in divine service, and then lovingly decorate the table with an abundance of local dishes and alcoholic beverages. On the night before Christmas, the Portuguese participate in religious worship. This is accompanied by a well prepared meal laid in the temple. In all houses, traditional fish dishes, as well as dishes from turkey are eaten for dinner. Celebrations are never complete without all sorts of baked desserts and sweet rolls. There is also the compulsory visitation of relatives which is accompanied by exchanges of gifts.

In the former capital of the country, a reverence of St. John is organized on the street of Praca da Liberdade on the evening of June 24. The end of the month is marked by the celebration of Sao Joao. Most of the locals join in the celebration. The city of Óbidos pleases residents with the sounds of traditional music during the month of October. In Coimbra, festivals are organized for young people who have recently been enrolled into higher educational institutions. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Best visiting periods - the climate of Portugal

The Mediterranean climate is dominant in Portugal. The ocean has a huge influence on its formation. Air masses coming from the ocean make the …
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Every year in May, a flower festival is organized on Madeira Island with an abundance of fun and national festivities. This event is dedicated to the winegrowers to mark the harvesting season. The winter period is marked by carnival processions, the celebration of the rural workers, as well as an abundance of colorful fair festivals. After Easter the “Procession of our Lord of the sick” traditionally takes place along the road which is covered with petals of flowers. In Ponta Delgada, celebrations are held on the occasion of Easter with noisy and merry mass festivities. In the final period of the summer season, the authorities of Lajes do Pico celebrate the achievements of the maritime industry workers including whalers.

With the onset of August, the festival days of music of Mare de Agosto begin in Santa Maria. In Piku, the Holy Spirit is celebrated at the conclusion of the Whit Monday. Maslenitsa is traditionally considered a time of repentance from sins before the beginning of Lent. Different regions celebrate the holiday in different ways: There is the noisy Brazilian version which is conducted in the streets. It is filled with musical extravaganzas and competitions by samba dancers. On the other hand, there is also a more somber, subtle and conservative kind of celebration.

Overview of the optimal transportation means in Portugal

The transport infrastructure of Portugal is at a decent level. Most of the transport companies in the country are private owned. Due to constant …
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Residents of the cities of Torres Vedras or Ovars engage in mass festivities in a rather comical and care free manner by poking at giant humorous figures of politicians which they themselves have constructed. In a way, they are in the process, exercising their rights to freedom of expression. Usually, the eve of Maslenitsa is a period of spending time with family, going out to publicly held celebrations and wearing traditional Portuguese costumes. For locals, this is an opportunity to have a good time since it includes also a long-awaited reunion with friends and loved ones.

The main entrances and streets of cities are decorated with colorful lightings, as well as garlands in honor of the arrival of newborns. The Portuguese decorate the Christmas trees and nativity scenes with the figures of the Holy Family, as well as animals. Santa Claus is also honored by locals. These figures are also used in decorating private homes, storefronts as well as other commercial premises. Like most southern nations, the Portuguese honor the centuries-old tradition of celebrating religious holidays with their families and closest friends.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Portugal

Uniques spots of Portugal

Sintra

From the series “Fabulous Nooks of the World with Striking Colorful Shades”

Portugal also has an amazing location that strikes with its fabulous atmosphere. That’s the old town of Sintra. Today, its colorful ambience is known all over the world. The ancient town was able to preserve the pristine architecture. There, you can see numerous majestic palaces, castles, and monasteries surrounded by centuries-old forests. The place features a very soothing and romantic atmosphere. The port city was founded in 1154 on the site of the fortress of the same name. Now, the whole territory of the town and its immediate surroundings are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Literally, every building in the city is a priceless historic landmark. One of the main historical sites is the National Palace of Sintra. The world famous Palace of Pena is hidden in the dense ... Read all

Sintra

From the series “Nooks and Villages That Are More Colorful Than Top Touristic Destinations”

Sintra has long been one of the main national symbols of Portugal. Only here, at the place with a rich history, you can see majestic palaces and castles, look into the monasteries, where the way of life has not changed for hundreds of years, stroll through the centuries-old forests and quiet parks. The city is famous for its romantic scenery and historic architecture. It is often chosen for vacations by lovers and creative personalities in search of inspiration.

About 27 000 people reside in the city. Sintra together with its vast surroundings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers who want to visit the picturesque town and get acquainted with its iconic landmarks will have a rich tour program. The most famous attraction is the National Palace of Sintra. The world famous Palace of ... Read all

All unique sightseeing Portugal

Attractions and entertainment in top cities of Portugal

Lisbon

Lisbon meets the visitors with great variety of picturesque parks and gardens. Visitors mostly give preference to Estufa Fria and Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara gardens among them. Edward VII Park is considered to be the best place in Lisbon for family leisure. Kids will love a great variety of playing and sport … Read more

Albufeira

Fans of sports entertainments will surely enjoy numerous tennis courts, golf courses and modern fitness centers. Fans of thrilling experiences have an opportunity to make mountain river rafting or paragliding. The tourists, who have come with their families, are recommended to visit the local water park. In addition … Read more

Porto

Funchal

The main beach is connected with the more compact and picturesque Doca do Cavacas beach. Fans of peaceful and quiet environment would like remote beaches of Praia de Sao Tiago and Praia do Gorgulho. There is a wide range of attractive leisure facilities for fans of scenic natural places. Fabulously beautiful tropical … Read more

Lagos

Lagos has a great golf center, Palmares, which would be amazing for both beginners and experienced golfers. On its territory there is a golf school, all those interested can enter it. The trip to the local zoo Parque Zoologico de Lagos would be an exciting adventure. Here you can have a great day out for all the … Read more

Portimao

Lovers of surfing need to pay attention to Future Surfing center. There it is possible to lease the needed equipment and organize departure to the best regions of the seaside. In Future Surfing everybody is glad to beginners: anybody who wants can tutor of skilled coaches. Praia Da Rocha can be called as the most … Read more

Fun and festivities in Portugal - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Portugal

Uniques spots of Portugal

Sintra

Sintra

Beauty of Portugalin pictures

Attractions and entertainment in top cities of Portugal

Map of fun in Portugal