January 2026 brings a different kind of cultural energy to the country, with a selection of events in Portugal that celebrate tradition, gastronomy, and fairs. From elegant wedding expositions in Porto and Lisbon to mouth-watering gastronomic markets in the north, this month offers unique experiences beyond the typical festival calendar. Highlights include a major weddings and lifestyle event in Porto and Lisbon, the Gastronomic Fair of Pork in Boticas, and the renowned Fumeiro Fair in Montalegre, located in the Vila Real district.
Table of Contents
List of Events in Portugal this month
Exponoivos – Wedding Expositions for professionals (In Porto and Lisbon)
Dates: 10th and 11th of January (Lisbon) and 24th and 25th of January (Porto)
Exponoivos Lisboa is Portugal’s leading wedding fair, held at the MEO Arena in Lisbon, while Exponoivos Porto will happen in Exponor. These events bring together a wide range of wedding suppliers and exhibitors including:
- Bridal and Groom Fashion, including Jewelry
- Venues and Décor
- Catering
- Photography
- Honeymoon services
There will also be fashion shows and themed experience areas. The event is designed to showcase the latest wedding trends and offer inspiration and practical solutions for planning a wedding.The event is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket and is primarily aimed at engaged couples and anyone planning a wedding, although wedding industry professionals also attend and exhibit. It is not a general sightseeing attraction, so casual tourists without an interest in weddings may find it less relevant. Tickets must be purchased in advance. More details about the expositions in Lisbon see here. For more information on Exponoivos Porto see the Exponor website.
Gastronomic Fair of Pork – Boticas (District of Porto)
Dates: 8th of January to 11th of January
The 27th Pork Gastronomic Fair of Boticas is one of the most important food events in Northern Portugal, held at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Boticas. The fair is organized by the Municipality of Boticas and celebrates the traditional smoked meats and pork products, highlighting artisanal sausages such as alheiras, chouriças, and salpicão, as well as cured ham, traditional bread, honey, and wine.
Enjoy this cultural gathering featuring folk music, traditional singing, and the famous “Chegas de Bois” (cattle processions), reflecting the strong popular identity of the Barroso region, recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. The fair promotes both the sale of local products and the preservation of traditional Transmontano gastronomy, attracting thousands of visitors and giving visibility to artisanal smoked meat production techniques
Fumeiro Fair – Sausage Fair in Montalegre (Vila Real District)
Dates: 22nd to 25th of January
This delicious fair started in the 90s and its original name is the Feira do Fumeiro e Presunto de Barroso (Fumeiro and Ham Fair). It is Montalegre’s most celebrated gastronomic and cultural event, showcasing the rich tradition of fumeiro. Basically, fumeiro described the place in a house where meats were hung and smoked over a fire.
The meats offered in the fair include smoked smoked chouriças (sausages), alheiras, salpicão, morcela, and regional presunto (ham). Each one is produced in the Barroso region and brought to the Pavilhão Multiusos de Montalegre where this fair should be happening.
Now, the February Festivals and concerts.
Still hungry? These were just some examples of fairs, expositions, and markets around Portugal. In other cities, you may find other markets, with local products, and special fairs.For all-year round markets in Lisbon check our article on the best markets in Lisbon. In Porto, Bolhão Market is one of the most famous, offering fresh produce, including fish, cheeses, meat, vegetables, dried fruits, pasta, tea, coffee, bread and, of course, crafts made by local artisans.
