Festivals in Portugal are very much popular way of celebration of different significant for Portuguese dates, religious and general holidays. There are at least one festival per month because average amount of festivals in Portugal is somewhere about 26. It means that in case you travel Portugal you always have an opportunity to witness one of such festivals. Choose the best places in Portugal, sightseeings and attractions in Portugal which you want to visit and decide on festivals you want to see and probably even take part in. Portuguese do their best to follow essential traditions of their nation, that's why festivals reflect country's history and cultural wealth.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas considered to be a family festival this very day all relatives are invited and the more relatives will come, the happier festival will be. While everyone eat and drink a master of the house kindle a fireplace. Later burned-out embers are gathered and kept because Portuguese consider that these embers protect their home against any harm and disasters. Some people still share their Christmas meal with dead persons spirits because they think that they come back to their homes during this very period.

Carnival (Ash Wednesday)

Few weeks before Ash Wednesday different celebrations are held. Masquerades, dances and balls take place throughout the country. One century ago this festival's characteristic features included allowed vulgar jokes and horseplay, eggs and water battles. Today there are much more limitations concerning festival celebrations. In big cities gay parades are held and in rural regions continue to celebrate in with all its merriment. This day all those who travel Portugal can see mummies and musicians performances as well as dramas and national plays.   

Saint Anthony Festival (June 13)

Saint Anthony was born in the Alfama in 1195. Today there is a church of Santo Antonio da Se in the Alfama. In 1755 the church was ruined by severe earthquake and later on young boys and girls collected money for reconstruction. Saint Anthony is the most popular saint in Alfama. Nowadays children make little altars and collect pennies for Saint Anthony as the legend says. Young boys and girls are training to find out something about their future sweethearts. There are lots of different methods for both boys and girls.

Of course there are many other interesting festivals which you can enjoy if you travel Portugal. Some tours around Portugal include visiting the country during different festivals. In case you decided to travel Portugal read more about getting to Portugal, hotels of Portugal and moving around Portugal.