Easter in Portugal: Processions and Food

Easter (Páscoa) is a major holiday in Catholic Portugal, with solemn Holy Week processions, family feasts and special cakes and sweets. Here’s what to expect at Easter in Portugal, and where to experience it.

Quick answer: Easter Sunday 2027 is on 28 March. The most famous celebrations are the Holy Week processions in Braga, including the night-time Ecce Homo procession. Good Friday is a public holiday, so expect closures. Try folar (Easter bread) and sugared almonds. Spring weather makes it a lovely time to visit.

Where to go

Braga

Portugal’s religious capital stages its biggest Holy Week celebrations, with candlelit processions, decorated streets and the dramatic Ecce Homo procession with barefoot penitents in hoods carrying torches. See Braga and where to stay in Braga.

Fátima

Easter services draw pilgrims to the sanctuary. See Fátima.

Castelo de Vide

A town in the Alentejo known for its Easter traditions. See Castelo de Vide.

Lisbon and Porto

Processions and services in the main churches, and a calmer city as many locals travel home.

Easter food

• Folar: a sweet or savoury Easter bread, sometimes baked with whole eggs.
• Amêndoas: sugared almonds, given as gifts.
• Roast lamb or kid (cabrito): the traditional Easter Sunday meal.
• Pão-de-ló: a light sponge cake.

See Portuguese desserts.

Tips

• Good Friday: a national holiday, with many shops and some sights closed.
• Book ahead: Easter is a busy holiday for Portuguese and Spanish travellers, especially in the Algarve.
• Weather: spring is mild, but bring a layer for the evenings. See Portugal in spring.

More: the Portugal festivals calendar and Carnival in Portugal.

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 Spotted something out of date?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