Page 41 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Portugal

A YEAR IN

PORTUGAL

MARCH APRIL
△ Moda Lisboa (mid-Mar). The first of two annual Semana Santa (Easter week; exact date varies).
fashion weeks (the second takes place in October) The city of Braga is illuminated during Holy
where cutting-edge garments are paraded down Week by solemn torch-lit processions of bare-
Lisbon’s runways. foot, hooded believers spinning eerie rattles.
EDP Lisbon Half Marathon (mid-Mar). Peixe em Lisboa (early–mid-Apr).
In one of the capital’s most popular sporting During Lisbon’s fish festival, restaurants offer
events, runners from all over the world cross tastings and chefs host demonstrations.
the Ponte 25 Abril to finish at the Mosteiro dos △ Dia da Revolução (25 Apr). A military parade,
Jerónimos in Belém. political speeches and festivities celebrate the
Carnation Revolution of 1974, when 48 years of
dictatorship were ended without any bloodshed.

JULY
Festa dos Tabuleiros (early Jul; every 4 years;
next in 2019). Tomar’s “Festival of the Trays” sees
women carrying tabuleiros – 30 flowered loaves AUGUST
of bread topped with a crown– on their heads. △ Semana do Mar (1st week). Food, music,
△ NOS Alive (mid-Jul). World-renowned indie, crafts, watersports and lively competitions
rock and alternative music festival in Lisbon. are on the agenda at Horta’s Festival of the Sea
on Faial in the Azores.
Festa Gulaterianas (1st weekend). A torch-lit
procession through the streets, a medieval
parade and lots of dancing are the highlights
at this festival in Guimarães.

NOVEMBER
△ All Saints’ Day (1 Nov). Throughout the
country, candles are lit and flowers placed on
graves to honour the dead.
Feira Nacional do Cavalo (first two weeks). DECEMBER
Golegã – the Portuguese capital of the horse –
is taken over with races and parades as owners Christmas (25 Dec). Midnight Mass is followed by
showcase their thoroughbreds. a traditional meal of bacalhau (salted cod).
Festa de São Martinho (11 Nov). St Martin’s Day △ New Year’s Eve (31 Dec). Fireworks illuminate
is celebrated in Madeira with roasted chestnuts the major cities, with Funchal boasting one of
and tastings of the year’s new wine. the biggest displays.
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