February has ended and March is almost here, ready to fill Portugal with festivals and sunshine. March Festivals in Portugal offer a big variety of activities. Today we will be focusing on four festivals: a chocolate festival, two music festivals, and a religious festival.
Note: Spring is almost here, but not yet. Make sure to bring an umbrella with you and pack a raincoat in your suitcase/luggage just in case. Every week or couple of days we update our weather alerts.
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4 of the Best March Festivals in Portugal!
Óbidos International Chocolate Festival 2026
Dates: 6th to 22nd of March
Fan of chocolate? Then, this is definitely for you! The charming city of Óbidos is famous for it’s ginjinha (sweet liqueur made of ginja berries in alcohol), usually served in chocolate cups. Well, this time the chocolate takes center stage!
This year, the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival centers around the theme of Art. Marvel at a big selection of chocolate sculptures, products and offerings. Renowned national and international chefs bring you exceptional creations that will awaken your senses. Visitors can even witness the creation of live sculptures, showcasing the extraordinary talent of master chocolatiers. See some pictures of previous years here.
And don’t worry, flavor is not forgotten! You’ll be able to try the best brands of chocolate and indulge in a true chocolate wonderland!
The festival is an amazing sensory experience, with interactive workshops, a chocolate art museum and many other activities to enjoy with family and friends! See the full program on the official website.
Tempted? 😋 You can buy the tickets online (or at local tickets offices mentioned in the website).
Explore our Food & Drinks section.
Portuguese Guitar Festival 2026 (Lisbon)
Dates: 6th and 7th of March
This music festival celebrates the Portuguese guitar. The Portuguese Guitar is part of the tradition of Fado, and its unique sound brings out the soul of the Portuguese people. Melancholy, Betrayal, and Love are some of the main emotions portrayed in the beautiful Fado music.
Participants of this festival will be able to enjoy a diverse program that highlights the cultural and musical importance of the Portuguese guitar. It will take place in three different venues: Cinema São Jorge (6th of March), Capitólio (6th of March), and Teatro Variedades (7th of March).
This second edition will be a tribute to the guitarist and composer Armando Freire or as some would call him Armandinho. In the 1930’s, he was already a famous guitarist when an American travel writer called Lawton Mackall wrote about him in his book Portugal for two.
Now, the only you thing you need is tickets (passe 6– card for March 6th; passe 7 – card for March 7th; passe 2 dias – card for both days OR you can buy the individual performances in yellow).
Learn more about the Portuguese culture and traditions here.
Holy Week and Easter in Portugal 2026
Dates: 18th of February (today) to the 22nd of March in Braga. (other dates for similar events around Portugal)
Easter is celebrated all over Portugal, due to the fact that Christianity is the main religion and Catholicism still plays a central role in the Portuguese daily life.
Braga is one of the Northern cities of Portugal you should pay attention to during the Holy Week (Semana Santa). Attend concerts, observe expositions, participate in guided tours, or simply watch the holy processions happening from 18th of February (today) to the 22nd of March in Braga. The main processions happen on March.
Stay tuned for our complete guide to the Easter in Braga, along with some exclusive tips.
Fatima and Óbidos are also popular during the Holy week (the Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday). This year, Holy Week takes place from March 29 to April 5. Some celebrations happen a couple of days before the 29th.
✨ Tremor Festival
Date: 24th to the 28th of March
Tremor is a music festival held on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. Here, music is strongly connected to nature, and visitors can take part in an immersive experience around the island. The festival features indie, alternative, and experimental sounds to the volcanic landscape and coastal viewpoints.
In terms of the concerts, you will see these national and international artists . On the other hand, you may watch performances along São Miguel’s hiking trails, combining nature and heritage (Tremor Todo-o-Terreno). Also, you don’t want to miss Tremor na Estufa, an adventure where the audience goes on a journey to a secret location on the island for a surprise concert…
Learn more about the concerts, gastronomic experiences and festival guide right here. Explore all of the experiences .
Hope you liked our suggestions. Do you know any other cool festival in Portugal?
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