Portugal Festivals are a great way for tourists to get a glimpse of the local way of life in a country with such a rich cultural heritage. 

Festa das Fogaceiras 

The Festa das Fogaceiras is held each year in January in Santa Maria. This festival presents young girls in traditional costumes and holding castle shaped cakes on their heads as a mark of gratitude for the good health of their people. 

Fantasporto International Film Festival

This is one of Portugal's oldest and most popular film festivals. Also known as Fantas, it is an international movie fest held annually since 1982 in the city of Porto. It showcases the choicest of commercial movies, amateur films as well as unique experimental movie projects from around the globe. 

Senhor Ecce Homo 

This is an Easter festival celebrated in the city of Braga. Barefooted torch bearers take a unique march across the city. A parade is held before Easter in Porto, and effigies of Judas are burnt on Easter Day as religious tradition. 

Festa de Santo Antonio 

This festival in Lisbon is celebrated as a mark of respect for the “Saint of Love.” It involves newly married couples who give thanks for having found their love. Single people also pray during this festival to find a suitable match for them. The festival is celebrated annually in mid-June. 

Rock in Rio-Lisbon 

One of the most popular rock fests in Portugal, it proclaims to be the biggest music fest in the world. It is held each year at the Parque Bela Vista in Lisbon. Some of the top celebrities from the world of pop music participate in this festival. 

Festa do Colete Encanado 

This festival in Vila Franca de Xira features bull-runs in the streets. It is akin to the renowned Spanish festival of similar nature. 

Estoril's Fest 

This is a major classical music fest that is held in the months of July and August every year. This fest coincides with the Handicraft Fair, so the visitors can enjoy both events during the same time period. 

Festas do Sao Paio 

The highlight of this September fest is a traditional boat race which is held at the northern lagoon in Aveiro. 

Nossa Senhora da Nazre Romaria  

This is the leading festival of Nazare that takes place in September. The visitors can witness a religious march, bull fighting and traditional dances in the evenings. 

The National Gastronomic Festival  

This festival has been celebrated since 1980. Each day of the event celebrates the traditional food of one particular region. It is usually celebrated towards the end of October each year.