New Year’s Day (Ano Novo, 1 January) starts the Portuguese year with family meals, fireworks and coastal gatherings. Many people stay up late on 31 December to watch the countdown in city squares or by the riverfront, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Eating 12 raisins at midnight for good luck is a popular tradition.

Carnival (Carnaval / Entrudo, date varies) is a colourful pre-Lenten celebration. Though not a compulsory national holiday everywhere, many schools, offices and municipalities take the day off. Parades with masks, samba-inspired costumes, playful satire and traditional ‘entrudo’ antics fill towns like Torres Vedras, Ovar and Loulé. It’s a joyful break before Lent.

Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa, date varies) is a solemn religious day in Portugal. Churches hold processions recalling the Passion of Christ, particularly in Braga, Óbidos and the Algarve. Many families eat simpler meals or fish instead of meat as a sign of devotion. It sets the tone for the Easter weekend.

Easter Sunday (Domingo de Páscoa, date varies) is celebrated with family lunches, traditional sweets and regional customs. In the north, ‘folar’ - a festive bread sometimes with an egg in it - is shared, while godparents often give gifts to godchildren. Churches are full, and in many towns the ‘Compasso’ (Easter visitation) blesses homes.

Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade, 25 April) commemorates the 1974 Carnation Revolution, which ended the dictatorship and restored democracy. The day is marked with parades, music, political speeches and red carnations - the symbol of the peaceful uprising. Lisbon, especially along Avenida da Liberdade, becomes the stage for remembrance and celebration.

Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador, 1 May) is dedicated to workers’ rights and social solidarity. Trade unions organize rallies and concerts, often in Lisbon’s parks. Many families take advantage of the spring weather for picnics or short trips.

Corpus Christi (Corpo de Deus, date varies) is a Catholic feast with deep roots in Portugal. Many towns hold solemn processions with floral carpets, banners and traditional brotherhoods. It is both religious and festive, especially in central and northern regions.

Azores Day (Dia dos Açores) celebrates the identity and self-government of the Azores. Tied historically to the Holy Spirit festivities, it features processions, cultural events and community meals. It’s a symbol of the archipelago’s distinct traditions within Portugal.

Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas, 10 June) celebrates the nation, the Portuguese language and the poet Luís de Camões. Official ceremonies rotate between cities, and Portuguese communities abroad also mark the day. It connects Portugal with its global diaspora.

Madeira Day (Dia da Região Autónoma da Madeira, 1 July) celebrates the autonomy, history and culture of the Madeira archipelago. Official ceremonies, folklore performances and exhibitions highlight Madeiran identity and the importance of Atlantic connections.

Assumption Day (Assunção de Nossa Senhora, 15 August) falls in the middle of summer and is both a religious celebration and a holiday for beachgoers. Many Portuguese are on vacation, and coastal towns fill up. Churches honour the Virgin Mary with masses and local festivities.

Republic Day (Implantação da República, 5 October) marks the 1910 revolution that abolished the monarchy and established the Portuguese Republic. It is a civic holiday with historical ceremonies, flag raisings and educational events about Portugal’s modern identity.

All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos os Santos, 1 November) is a day of remembrance. Families visit cemeteries, place flowers on graves and pray for their loved ones. In some regions children still go from door to door asking for ‘pão por Deus’ - small gifts or sweets - a tradition with medieval roots.

Restoration of Independence Day (Restauração da Independência, 1 December) celebrates Portugal’s 1640 recovery of independence from Spain after 60 years of Iberian Union. Ceremonies, military salutes and historical reenactments recall the Braganza restoration and the return of Portuguese sovereignty.

Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição, 8 December) honours the Virgin Mary and is a public holiday. It also signals the beginning of the Christmas season in many towns: decorations are lit, nativity scenes are set up and people begin shopping for the holidays.

Christmas Day (Natal, 25 December) is a warm, family-centred celebration in Portugal. On Christmas Eve many families eat ‘bacalhau’ with potatoes and cabbage, while Christmas Day may feature roast goat or turkey. ‘Bolo-rei’ (King Cake) and ‘rabanadas’ (Portuguese-style French toast) are festive staples. Churches hold midnight Mass, and town squares are decorated.

This is a public holiday in Portugal.