According to idealista, Carnival 2024 will take place on 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th of February, counting Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The date changes every year, based on the calendar of the Catholic Church, connected with other dates such as Easter, Good Friday and Ash Wednesday.

Carnival known for its elaborate vivid costumes, music and dancing marks the last chance for people to indulge in festivities before Lent begins. Carnival comes from the word ‘carnis levale’, which means ‘the removal of meat’ and is related to fasting during Lent, which is the 40 day period leading up to Easter.

Loulé Carnival

Entertainment is guaranteed at Loulé Carnival from the 11th to the 13th of February 2024, in an event that attracts many national and foreign visitors to Avenida José da Costa Mealha. Loulé’s municipal website shares “The oldest parade in the country, registers the influx of thousands of revellers over the three days. The parade of floats, the presence of samba groups, dancers, cabeçudos and gigantones (figures with costumes and masks made out of paper-mâché) bring special color to Avenida José da Costa Mealha, Loulé." It is an event for everyone, with partipants including local groups, schools and organisations who showcase their creativity.

Ovar Carnival

Located in the district of Aveiro, Ovar is another great place to enjoy an authentic Carnival celebration which has been running since the end of January and will run until 13th of February 2024. Ovar's Carnival has a long history, and its festivities are deeply rooted in local customs and cultural heritage. Idealista states “Also known as Vitamina da Alegria, it has been celebrated in an organised way since 1952. It currently has the participation of around 20 Carnival groups and four Samba schools, which participate in the festivities, as well as several cultural events that last several weeks.

“These festivities have the particularity of being entirely made up of volunteers from the municipality and, unlike other Carnival festivities - in which public figures are invited, in Ovar, the King and Queen who sponsor the event are ordinary citizens, normally chosen by their contribution and involvement in the community.

“Ovar's Carnival often incorporates satire and social commentary. Floats, costumes, and performances may feature humorous and satirical elements, providing a platform for locals to express their opinions on current events and societal issues.”

Alcobaça Carnival

The Alcobaça Carnival is running from the 8th to the 14th of February 2024 with this year’s theme being the olympics. In a giant tent, set up in front of the Alcobaça Monastery, thousands of people gather to dance and enjoy the sound of samba concerts and famous DJs that attract loads of tourists. You could also take the opportunity to visit Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha which are not far from Alcobaça.

Torres Vedras Carnival

Torres Vedras, only 40km from Lisbon is one of the most renowned and lively Carnival celebrations in Portugal and this year is no different with it running from the 9th to the 14th of February 2024.

Carnaval de Torres Vedras is famous for its satirical and humorous approach. The festivities often include social and political commentary through the use of elaborate floats, costumes, and performances, including ‘The Matrafonas and the famous ‘Cabeçudos’ which are people dressed in costumes with 'giant heads’. Participants use the celebration as an opportunity to express opinions on current events with a touch of humor.

Funchal Carnival

In Funchal, Carnival runs from the 7th to the 18th of February 2024 and starts on Wednesday, before the “Entrudo” (Shrove Tuesday) and the fun goes on until the “Enterro do Osso” that takes place on the Saturday after Carnival day. Funchal Carnival is an annual event that attracts both locals and tourists, featuring a unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

One of the highlights is its spectacular parades where multiple samba groups. Elaborate floats, colorful costumes, and lively music characterise the processions that wind through the streets of Funchal. The parades often feature a mix of traditional themes, modern designs, and cultural representations, the most famous ones being the Grande Cortejo Alegórico (The Big Parade) and the Cortejo Trapalhão (Clumsy Parade).

‘Caretos of Podence’

Located in Trás-os-Montes, in the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros, the village of Podence hosts one of the most important Carnival events in the north of the country. Its “Entrudo Chocalheiro” has been classified by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its “caretos” are male devilish figures who wear brightly coloured costumes and masks and who according to the Caretos de Podence website “take to the streets screaming, frightening, jumping and running wildly through the streets of the village, perching on balconies and entering some houses in the village, where they often are invited to eat and drink, displaying, however, a more moderate behavior than in previous decades, which proves to be more appropriate to the current scenario of the party, keeping the event alive and well. The strong participation of the community has allowed this tradition to be maintained throughout the centuries until today.”

Entrudo Chocalheiro in Podence is running from the 10th to the 13th of February and the event includes concerts, street entertainment, exhibitions and night parades. For the full programme please visit www.caretosdepodence.pt where you will find the full schedule under events.

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes