Carnival is a festival of rejoicing, where people used to eat fatty foods before eating « lean » foods for 40 days. This precedes the period of Lent (quarantine). In ancient times, people considered that the new year began in March and not in January. It was the renewal, the awakening of Nature. In Portugal, this festival was called « Entrudo » (from the Latin introitu, to enter), i.e. the first steps before Lent. Since the dawn of time, beliefs have held that chaos should precede the New Year. We can therefore better understand the madness of the festivities, the wearing of masks that create confusion, the emancipation from all social rules, the negation of daily life, its constraints and worries.
Disorder in an orderly society. That’s carnival in Portugal. Officially, Carnival day is not a holiday, but tolerated as such! And this has been the case since the first kings of Portugal. Despite the economic difficulties, the Portuguese state continues to tolerate a day off every year (and if the government is against it, the population doesn’t care).
Festivities in Lisbon : while the major ones are outside Lisbon, Brazilian collectives organise street processions, mainly during the weekend before Carnival.
- Colombina Clandestina : on February 10, 2024
- Baque do Tejo : February 11, 2024 at Largo da Rosa from 1 p.m.
- Braque Mulher : on February 23, 2024 in Largo de São Cristovão from 2pm
The main carnivals around Lisbon :
Torres Vedras : self-proclaimed the ‘most Portuguese of carnivals’, the Torres Vedras carnival has retained its local identity while many others are increasingly influenced by Brazilian culture. Here, there are jesters, grandiose floats and matrafonas, men dressed as women. In short, a true carnival that goes beyond social barriers. This carnival will take place over several days from February 9 to 14.
Loures : Created in 1934, Loures has become one of the biggest festivals in Portugal in just a few decades. 150,000 people are expected again this year. 1200 performers and 15 floats promise a colourful and joyful parade. The festivities will take place from February 3 to 14, 2024.
Sesimbra : this is the one that comes closest to its distant cousin, Rio de Janeiro, with its many samba schools that parade through the streets. This carnival will take place from February 4 to 16.
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