Carnival in Portugal: Where to Celebrate

Carnival in Portugal ranges from satirical street parades and Brazilian-style samba to ancient masked rituals in remote mountain villages. Here are the best places to celebrate Carnival in Portugal, and what to expect.

Quick answer: Carnival falls in February or early March, with the main days just before Lent (in 2027, Carnival Tuesday is 9 February). The biggest celebrations are in Torres Vedras (satirical and irreverent), Ovar and Loulé (big parades), and Funchal in Madeira (samba-style). For something unique, see the masked caretos of Podence in the northeast.

The best Carnivals

Torres Vedras

Often called “the most Portuguese Carnival”, it’s known for political satire, giant caricature figures and men dressed as “matrafonas” (exaggerated women). It’s about an hour north of Lisbon.

Ovar

Big parades with elaborate floats and costumed groups, south of Porto.

Loulé

One of the oldest Carnival parades in the Algarve, with floats and samba groups. See Loulé.

Madeira

Funchal’s Carnival features colourful, samba-inspired parades. See Funchal.

Podence

In this village in Trás-os-Montes, the caretos, young men in fringed costumes and tin masks, run through the streets ringing cowbells. The tradition is recognised by UNESCO.

Lazarim

A village near Lamego known for its hand-carved wooden masks.

Tips

• Dates: Carnival is linked to Easter, so it moves each year.
• Holiday: Carnival Tuesday is not an official national holiday, but many places close.
• Book early for Madeira and Torres Vedras.
• Weather: February can be cold and wet on the mainland, so bring a layer under your costume.

More: the Portugal festivals calendar, Portugal in February and Easter in Portugal.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.