Explore all the cool February Festivals in Portugal, including the fun Carnival Festival. The Portuguese Carnival is especially famous in Podence village, the Madeira Island, and the cities of Torres Vedras, Sesimbra, Loulé, Ovar and Aveiro.
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Carnival: one of the greatest February Festivals in Portugal
Observe the strange looking processional figures, that usually represent politicians or any other famous figures in a satire type of way.
February Festivals in Portugal are very diverse, from food and wine, to celebrations of Portuguese Saints and internacional celebrations like the Carnival.
The “Carnaval” or Carnival in Portugal is similar to the spirit celebrated in other a countries, but with a special Portuguese Twist.
For example, the Portuguese usually create big carnival figure imitating politians or celebraties. It is a way of satirizing society figures and criticizing those in power. They are found in various Carnival parades around Portugal.
Like in many European countries, Carnival in Portugal dates back to the middle ages (around the 13th century) and it was called “Entrudo”. Due to Christian traditions, people would celebrate with food, drinks, and later masks were introduced.
Most famous cities/villages to celebrate Carnival in Portugal
- Podence (village in Bragança) -The masked, colorful figures you see in the first photo/banner originate in a tradition from the municipality of Macedo de Caveleiros (Bragança). They are called Caretos de Podence and they represent ancient pagan rituals.
- Torres Vedras – It’s carnival became famous during the 19th and 20th centuries. They particularly famous for those giant satirical figures, criticizing politicians. There’s also the matrafonas de Torres Vedras, men dressed as women in an exaggerated way. The Castle of Torres Vedras is also part of our list of less known castles in Portugal.
- Madeira Island – Here you’ll notice the influence of Brazil, with brighter, luxurious costumes and hot pick for UK tourists.
- Loulé (Algarve) – The Algarve is not only for beach holidays. Enjoy the large Carnival parades, music and beautiful, creative costumes.
- Aveiro and Ovar – If you wish to go to a more traditional Carnival with local rituals and lively street performances, Aveiro and Ovar are two cities, not far away from each other, that offer both.
Before going to Carnaval, check the weather forecast in IPMA website. For example, Torres Vedras and Aveiro have been seriously affected by the latest storms. See here where the Carnival in Portugal is cancelled.
Other festivals in Portugal during the month of February
- Festa de São Brás (February 3rd) – Occurs in the North of Portugal (e.g. Braga,Guimarães), and celebrates Saint Blaise or Brás, the patron saint of throat illnesses. In these celebrations, there are blessings of the throat, processions, and local fairs.
- XXVII Festival de Sabores Mirandeses (February 13th , 14th and 15th) – a festival of food that occurs in Miranda do Douro, where you can buy and eat local food, especially meat. Discover the quality of native breeds, such as Mirandese veal, lamb, and pork. Don’t forget to indulge in sweets and see the crafts that reflect the Mirandese soul.
- Essência do Vinho – Porto 2026– wine tasting festival that occurs 2 or 3 times a year in Lisbon and Porto. The next Porto event will be on the 26th of February to the 1st of March (make sure to select the 2026 dates when buying the tickets).
- Wine & Travel Week 2026 – For businesses, you also can participate in these wine events, including Essência do Vinho. Learn more here.
Even though, it’s not a festival, São Valentim (Valentine’s Day) is coming up, and we have some suggestions for you (article coming soon!).
Thanks for reading our suggestions. If there are any February Festivals in Portugal you know of and want to share, comment down below!
