The most popular festivals of Lisbon

Lisbon is a party town. Naming all the festivities would be difficult so here are some of the most important festivals of the city.

Carnival of Rio may be the most famous in the world but truth is it has its origins in the Carnival of Lisbon. This celebration of the end of winter is one of the largest in the city’s calendar. The highlight of the carnival is when processions of floats make their way through the colorful streets while jugglers and people in masks join the music and applause. The focus of the carnival is in the Park of Nations but there are parties all along the coast. Held from the 12th to the 16th of February.

Lisbon

Lisbon Festivals

Lisbon Village Festival is dedicated to the digital arts. It is divided in three categories, movies, arts and music. In the first there is a film festival that awards various categories and shows the best of cinema from countries from Poland to Japan. The Village Art is characterized by contemporary digital art exhibitions. In the case of music, the Village Lounge gathers DJs and VJs to entertain the crowd. It is celebrated in various parts of the city during May and June.

Red hot chili peppers at Rock in Rio Lisbon

Rock in Rio Lisbon Crowd

During the summer there are several festivals. The most notable is the fuesta dedicated to three saints San Antonio, San Juan and San Pedro, called Festas dos Santos Populares consisting of concerts, exhibitions, culinary competitions, and generally lots of food and sangria until dawn. The festival reaches its peak on the eve of the day of San Antonio with Avenidad parade da Liberdade and parties in the Alfama district. As a symbol of affection for the holy people as a gift little pots with basil and pieces of paper with poems are given. Saints celebrations take place from 12 to 29 June.

Lisbon San Antonio

Lisbon Popular Saints Festival

Following the success of Brazil’s Rock in Rio now the popular event has moved to Lisbon which is held once every two years at the Bela Vista Park. That is where bands, singers and internationally renowned DJs gather. The music does not stop for two weekends. The event has attracted artists such as Metallica, Amy Winehouse, Rod Stewart and others. It is usually held the weekends of June.

Lisbon Festival Race

More on Lisbon: Traveling to Lisbon.

Lisbon photos: Peter Gutierez, Arauja Kodomo, Rui Rodriguez, Kes_oneR, Alvaro Isidoro, Sam T.