Portugal’s Festas: The Ultimate Guide To Celebrations And Culture

Portugal’s Festas: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrations & Culture

Hi, I’m Kat Kalashian for Live and Invest Overseas and today we are talking about festas, which means parties or celebrations. Specifically, we’re talking about them taking place in Portugal, the culture, the community, and the fun that goes along with the Portuguese festas, which typically just generally means festival or party.

What Is a Portuguese Festa?

Portugal is a country rich in traditions and one of the most vibrant aspects of this tradition is the festa. The festa, as I say, it just means party, but it has such a larger meaning in Portugal. It’s basically the celebration of anything, but more specifically often a cultural or a historical event worth remembering in the country.

They’re often linked to patron saints, local little saints, or sometimes big time saints, historical dates, medieval and renaissance fairs, food festivals, or any kind of significant cultural attraction. And most take place between late May and mid-September, which is easy math to do, warm weather equals parties outside. Even though each festa really shows a different side of Portuguese culture, there are a lot of common aspects to these and they’re the perfect opportunity to really immerse yourself in the traditional Portuguese spirit.

So what are the festas? As I say, these usually celebrate religious dates, historical events, or local traditions, like the grape harvest maybe.

You can think of them as festivals, basically. They vary in their size or their antiquity or their importance. But although you could think of these as simply being a party, they’re far more than that.

These events are usually really closely linked to local pride and cultural identity, especially on the smaller scale. So the smaller you go, the more pride will be taken in these little tiny villages that celebrate these little patron saints. They’re a time that really highlights community gatherings and volunteer work.

So for example, if you are at a festa, you might go to a stall that sells food or handicrafts and all the profits go towards an association or collective. These are not profitable events in the sense that people are trying to make money off of them. They are just about bringing awareness and perhaps stimulating the economy of a little small village.

But the proceeds and the benefits of that really all are kept locally and very nearby. So things kind of kick off June 10th. And I will say June and August are probably the most prolific festa months.

But things really, as I say, kick off on the 10th of June with the national holiday, which celebrates Portugal. Camões, who is the quintessential Portuguese poet, is celebrated during this day as well.

And Portuguese communities across the globe celebrate this day. So this isn’t just celebrated in Portugal, you’ll also see it celebrated in Brazil and in other Portuguese parts of the world. Next comes St. Anthony’s Day, which is on the 12th and 13th.

This one is mostly celebrated in Lisbon. Then on the 23rd and 24th, there’s St. John’s, who is greatly esteemed in Porto and in the north of the country in general. Not to be overlooked, St. Peter marks the festivities of the end of June, particularly in Sintra on the 29th and the 30th.

St. Anthony, St. John and St. Peter are the so-called popular saints, santos populares. And the celebrations start days before the official dates for these saints. August in Portugal, as in much of Western Europe, is the month, the time of the year when most people go on vacation, they leave the country for the entire month, which makes it another great time for festas, because a lot of people from outside of Portugal throughout Europe are coming into the country and taking advantage of these really spectacular events.

And in the case of Portugal, it’s also a month when a lot of emigrantes, people who had previously moved from Portugal to around the world, say to Brazil or elsewhere in Latin America, August is the time of year when they like to come back home and celebrate and visit their motherland. So most emigrantes left between the 1950s and 70s, and their influx every summer really does help to shape these summer festas and bring an international flair and level of recognition to them.

The Key Features of Festas

So the key features of festas, they’re in open spaces, they’re fun, and they’re loud. That’s it in a nutshell. But to give you a little bit more background, music and dancing are going to play a really, really big role in these events. Some are traditional, like ranchos folklóricos, which are folk dance groups.

So a rancho, if you speak Spanish, you might think of a rancho as a ranch. It’s a big piece of property. In Portuguese, a rancho is a traditional dance. So don’t make that mistake.

Others are what are called pimba, to pimba music. Pimba is a type of popular Portuguese music that uses catchy tunes and easy to dance to rhythms, puns, quite often some sexual innuendo, but you’ll still see some grannies out dancing to it though. It’s definitely not something just for the young or the risque.

Religious processions, many festas are in honor of saints, so you can expect some kind of religious procession or a mass at least, as well as flower carpets on the streets in some locations. Street decorations are also part and parcel.

Streets will be decked out. Towns really go all out with paper garlands, lights, flowers, themed decorations, and manjerico in Portuguese is a type of basil that’s commonly sold in little pots in these villages, especially during the festas in June.

All right, so fireworks and parades are the other big thing. Whether it’s big or small, in a village or in Lisbon, there will be fireworks and usually a parade with a brass band. So again, loud. Things get loud.

Street food and drinks are another common thing. So you’ll just see, you know, people grilling on the side of the street, people setting up a picnic table and selling sangria out of a pitcher they made in their home. You’ll most likely find grilled sardines, bifanas and farturas, which I’ll explain a little bit later, and lots of beer and sangria.

So when it comes to joining in, all you have to do is do a little bit of research to the place that you’re going. So wherever in the country it is that you’re headed, if it’s during a summer month, there are very likely to be at least a few festas happening in your town and in the nearby towns. So just do a little bit of research on the time of year you’re coming and the destination, and you’re almost sure during these months to be able to experience a festa.

The Different Types of Festas

And so as you’ve probably put together now, there are two kinds of festas. There are religious festas and historic festas. So let’s talk a little bit about the religious.

Religious events have a very profane side as well. And in some cases, the profane almost eclipses the religious. So people have a lot of fun.

It’s to say that these aren’t staunch, they’re not silent, they’re not, you know, they’re not uptight, they’re a lot of fun, even if they are religiously based. So nearly every small town and village has its own festival dedicated to its own patron saint. And you know, these could take place any time of year really, but here are some of the most famous.

San Antonio de Lisboa is June 12th and 13th. This is known for its street parades, music, the famous grilled sardines, and this festa fills the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon to celebrate Saint Anthony and colorful decorations and the manjerico, the little pots of basil adorn the city for most of June. So great time to be in Lisbon if you’re there in June.

Another June, a little bit further north in the country, is the São João do Porto, which is June 23rd and 24th. And especially in Porto, it is celebrated with great gusto, fireworks, music, the tradition of hitting each other on the head with leeks, and little plastic hammers. Don’t ask where it comes from, just enjoy it.

But the streets are also just really fun to be around and walk through with colorful decorations and events lasting the whole month. So if you’re in Porto this time of year, be prepared for a bop on the head if you’re not expecting it. And maybe grab some leek in the grocery store to defend yourself if you need to.

The Festa dos Tabuleiros, which is in early July, is held every four years in Tomar, which is in central Portugal. It’s one of the oldest festivals of its kind in the country and it’s strongly associated with the devotion of the Holy Ghost. Of course, as most Christian celebrations, it has pre-Christian roots.

But for these celebrations that, again, only happen every four years, they really go all out. Paper flower decorations just flood the streets. Women parade through the town carrying what they call tabuleiros on their heads.

These are stacks of bread and flowers. It symbolizes abundance and community spirit.

The next most famous are the Festas de Nossa Senhora da Agonia. So this one is in August, on the 20th of August specifically, in Viana do Castelo, which is in the far far north of the country. And again, you’ll see the flower-adorned streets, the traditional costumes, the vibrant processions, the folk music to celebrate the town’s fishing heritage and its patron saint.

It lasts for about a week and it includes handicrafts and lots of carnival rides, so great for the whole family. And it really does attract thousands of people from both Portugal and from abroad, so this is a good one. And if you need a reason to get to the north where a lot of people don’t typically go, this is a great reason.

Historical Fairs

Finally, we have the historical fairs. Almost every town in the country, big or small, will have some kind of Roman, medieval, Renaissance fair to celebrate its origins or some kind of big event in the town’s history. Considering all the cultures that have been in Portugal, it’s not surprising that there are lots of diverse points in history to celebrate in each town.

So in these, you can expect historical reenactments, lots of food and drink, handicrafts, live music, no shortage of frolicking and merriment as is expected for any festa. Some of the most well-known historical fairs in Portugal include the Braga Romana, which is in May. This one is really cool.

It takes place in Braga, which is in the north of the country. And Braga was actually the capital of a Roman province way back when. It used to be known as Bracara Augusta.

So every year, Braga celebrates that Roman heritage with markets, parades, gladiator fights, and reenactments of ancient rituals. You’ll find lots of traditional crafts, street performances, and Roman-inspired food. So really, really cool thing if you’re into Roman history, which I am very much into.

The Feira Afonsina takes place in June, and it celebrates the time of Portugal’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. It’s a medieval fair in Guimarães, which is considered the birthplace of Portugal. The historic center really just turns itself into a 12th century town.

You’ll be completely transported back in time with reenactments, markets, traditional crafts, and street performances. The Feira Medieval de Óbidos is a medieval fair that transforms the town of Óbidos into a historical spectacle with knights, performances, and traditional crafts. The castle is the focal point of the festival, but the whole town, which still has many of its medieval architectural traits, goes all out for this one.

So again, if you’re into reenactments or medieval kinds of fairs, this is a definite stop on your list.

The Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria takes place in Santa Maria da Feira, about 30 minutes to the south of Porto. And this fair sprawls out over the castle and the surrounding area.

So every year they choose a different segment of Portugal’s medieval history to focus on as the theme, and it’s one of the biggest and most family-oriented historical festivals in the country, with several activities for children of different age groups, and the historical reenactments are one of its highlights.

The Feira Medieval de Silves is in August, and it’s set against the stunning backdrop of the Silves Castle, and this fair really offers an immersive journey back into the life of the Middle Ages in this part of the country. Moorish elements here are particularly relevant in this part of the country, so the usual historical reenactments have a bit of a twist here.

Traditional crafts and street performances, as always, will be on the docket.

Food Festivals and Harvest Celebrations

And when it comes to other festivals, they really fall into the category of food festivals dedicated to things like the conventional sweets, or craft beer, or a harvest festival. So for example, the Vindimas, the grape harvest, in the wine region of the Douro or the Palmeiras, takes place mostly in September, and those will take place ubiquitously as well.

Essential Tips for Fully Enjoying the Festas

Number one, savor the local cuisine. Food is without a doubt the highlight of the festa, probably for most people.

Count on stalls selling grilled sardines and mackerel. This is sardinas and carapaus. They’re often served with a slice of bread.

Roasted bell pepper salad might come on the side with some boiled potatoes, if you’re getting it as a whole plate. Bifanas are slices of marinated pork, which are usually served on a bread roll. And these are another delicious classic, especially if you’re not so into seafood.

So historical fairs, for example, will often have stalls slow roasting entire pigs, from which they’ll slice off a chunk and slap it in some bread and serve it to you. And you shouldn’t expect vegetarian or vegan options at these events. They are becoming a little bit more increasingly available, especially in the big cities.

But in small towns and in the majority, you’re not going to find a lot of vegetarian options. So beware.

Number two, drink responsibly.

Wine, sangria and beer are the beverages of choice at festas. And they’re all excellent and thirst quenching and very refreshing in the heat. But so, for example, with sangria, it can vary greatly in its quality and it can be diluted with various things or added to with various things.

So in Spain and in Portugal, they often will dilute sangria with a fizzy drink like Orangina or Fanta. And on the one hand, that means less alcohol per glass. On the other hand, it means that it’s a little bit more sweet, a little bit easier to drink.

It’s cold. It’s on ice. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’re in a party atmosphere, music is pumping, there’s heat going on and you might have drunk that whole glass of sangria. So beware of the sangria.

I think that’s probably the most dangerous drink because you can never tell unless you made it yourself. You can never tell exactly how you’ll react to it. But especially in urban areas, another modern classic is the caipirinha, which is imported from Brazil, a cocktail made with sugar, lime juice, ice and cachaça, which is a sugarcane-derived liquor.

It’s delicious but dangerous. So again, you know, have some waters in between those drinks. And when you’re visiting the historical fairs, I recommend trying mead.

I think this is a must. You might not like it. You might never drink it again, but at least you can say you’ve had it.

If you want to try that, look for the signs that say they sell hydromel.

Number three, indulge in the sweet treats. So leave room for dessert.

No festa is complete without churros and farturas, which I mentioned in the very beginning of the video. The dough is similar for both and you probably know what a churro is and they’re both deep fried, but they’re not the same. So churros, as you probably know, are rolled in sugar and cinnamon.

You can get little small ones in paper bags, six or a dozen. You can get a bigger one with a filling, you know, strawberry, chocolate. But farturas are a bit softer than churros and they’re spiral shaped and they’re cut into large pieces and then dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

So a little bit different, kind of a little bit like a funnel cake.

Number four, carry cash. So a lot of stalls now will accept digital payments like MBWay or perhaps Apple Pay, but bringing coins and small bills can make things a lot easier, both for you and the vendors, for everyone, people waiting in line behind you, especially when it comes to just getting a quick little snack or a drink on the side of the street.

Number five, dress comfortably. Festivals involve a lot of standing and walking and usually in the heat and maybe also getting hit in the head. So wear comfortable shoes.

That’s a must. You’ll want to enjoy the party without worrying about sore feet or ruining your shoes if you’re wearing something fancy. And when it comes to that, don’t wear anything fancy, whether it’s your top, your pants, your shorts, your shoes, your hat, your jewelry.

If you want to truly live the essence of the festas, you will come back home reeking of barbecue smoke and with sangria stains all over you. It doesn’t matter if you are sober, somebody will spill sangria on you, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be spilled by yourself. Just know that festas are not a place to go and be dainty.

These are not fragile events. These are events to go in and really bolt in a china shop. Enjoy yourself.

So just relax, dress casually and comfortably, and know that everybody else will be doing the same.

Number Six: Transportation

Many festas take place in historical centers. Some of these are pedestrianized, some of them are so small you couldn’t get a car in any way. So plan your transportation accordingly. The best option is to park near public transportation and then take a metro or bus in closer to the festa itself.

In smaller towns, there will typically be at least one parking area near the festival, but expect it to fill up quickly. Expect to maybe need to pay cash for it. So, you know, keep these things in mind and again plan accordingly with some advanced due diligence.

When it comes down to it, Portugal’s festas are more than just hyped up street parties, which is what you might think when you think of festa and street fair, but they are a firmly established expression of history, culture, and community throughout this country, and it is one of the best ways to get integrated into your new community is to become part of these festas and donate your time, to volunteer your skills, be a part of it no matter how small or whatever kind of part that could be. Whether you find yourself dancing to the Pimba music in a crowd full of strangers, savoring a freshly grilled sardine, head included, or being entertained by historical reenactors, there is a festa out there in Portugal for everyone. So if you have the chance, join in and embrace the spirit of these unique events.

After all, there is no better way to truly understand a culture than to celebrate with it. Happy trails!