Held during the last few days before Lent, Carnaval livens up the country with outlandish costumes, parades and fun fairs. The biggest celebrations are in Lisbon, Loule, Nazare, Ovar and Viana do Castelo. The highpoint of the carnival, though, is entrudo, the final day. If you only have a day to spare, reserve it for entrudo and head to Lisbon’s Parque Nações (Metro Station Oriente) where there is street theatre, parades and other entertainment. The events are all free, start around 3pm and continue well into the evening. There are other parties along the coast in Estoril and Cascais.

Lisbon now organises half-marathons twice a year, in March and September, at opposite ends of the city. The March race starts in Almada on the south side of the 25 de Abril bridge. The route follows the river Tagus River and ends in Belém at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos - the beautiful cathedral built by King Manuel I in the 16th century. See September heading for further details.

Easter Sunday is celebrated with great fervour in São Bras de Alportel with the exuberant Easter Festival. The men of this inland town carry decorated torches while running through the streets shouting Hallelujah. When they reach the parish Church, the flowers are carefully laid out on the floor so the priest may walk over them.