Portugal (PT)
Portugal is a parliamentary republic on the southwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain to the north and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west — a nation of fado music, Age of Discovery seafaring heritage, golden beaches from the Algarve to the Silver Coast, world-famous port wine and Douro Valley vineyards, and a warm, welcoming culture that has made it one of Europe's most beloved expat destinations.
Capital: Lisbon
Region: Europe
Language: Portuguese
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)
Emergency: 112
Premium
Public Holidays 2026
17 holidays in Portugal. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
Ano Novo
February 2026
Tue 17
Carnival Optional
Carnaval
Not a national public holiday but widely observed with 1–3 days off in schools and many businesses. Loulé (Algarve) and Torres Vedras host the largest carnivals. Date varies — 47 days before Easter.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Sexta-Feira Santa
Date varies each year — two days before Easter Sunday.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
Páscoa
Not a statutory public holiday but widely observed. Schools and many businesses close.
Sat 25
Freedom Day Public Holiday
Dia da Liberdade
Commemorates the 1974 Carnation Revolution that ended the Estado Novo dictatorship. Celebrated with concerts and demonstrations of democracy.
May 2026
Fri 1
Labour Day Public Holiday
Dia do Trabalhador
June 2026
Thu 4
Corpus Christi Public Holiday
Corpo de Deus
Date varies — 60 days after Easter Sunday.
Wed 10
Portugal Day Public Holiday
Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas
National day commemorating the death of Luís de Camões, Portugal's greatest poet, and celebrating Portuguese communities worldwide.
Sat 13
Municipal Holiday — Lisbon Optional
Dia de Santo António (Lisboa)
Lisbon's patron saint day. Festas de Lisboa run all June with sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), popular marches (marchas populares), and street parties in Alfama and Mouraria. Bank holiday in Lisbon only.
Wed 24
Municipal Holiday — Porto Optional
Dia de São João (Porto)
Porto's patron saint day — one of the most vibrant street festivals in Europe. Locals hit each other with plastic hammers and leeks, watch fireworks over the Douro, and party all night. Bank holiday in Porto only.
Wed 24
Municipal Holiday — Braga Optional
Dia de São João Batista (Braga)
Braga shares 24 June as its municipal holiday.
August 2026
Sat 15
Assumption of Mary Public Holiday
Assunção de Nossa Senhora
October 2026
Mon 5
Republic Day Public Holiday
Implantação da República
Commemorates the proclamation of the First Portuguese Republic in 1910, ending the monarchy.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints' Day Public Holiday
Dia de Todos os Santos
December 2026
Tue 1
Independence Restoration Day Public Holiday
Restauração da Independência
Commemorates the restoration of Portuguese independence from Spain in 1640 after the 60-year Iberian Union.
Tue 8
Immaculate Conception Public Holiday
Imaculada Conceição
A deeply Catholic observance; many Portuguese still use this day to set up the Christmas nativity scene (presépio).
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
Natal
Christmas Eve (Consoada, 24 December) is more important for families — the main meal is salt cod (bacalhau cozido) with potatoes, cabbage and hard-boiled eggs.
Note: Some holidays in Portugal apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.