Getting ready for your first trip to Porto? We recommend you check out Porto’s Public Holidays before you get here so that you can plan your stay accordingly (while you’re at it, consider joining a Taste Porto Food Tour to savor the city’s culinary delights!)

If you’re planning to travel to Porto during one of its public holidays, you will enjoy a very special atmosphere in the city. However, it is possible that some of the top attractions that you wish to visit are closed, so be sure to check out Porto’s national holidays before you book any museum admission tickets.

Without further ado, here are the main public holidays in Porto and Portugal.

Porto’s Public Holidays in Portugal

National Holidays in January

• New Year’s Day: January 1st

National Holidays in March

• Carnival: March 4th
  Carnival is celebrated on a Tuesday (actually it is called Fat Tuesday). While the world-renowned Brazilian Carnival in Rio de Janeiro steals the spotlight as South America’s most iconic festival, its origins trace back to Portuguese influence. Did you know that the Portuguese were the ones who introduced Carnival to Brazil? Although Carnival is not officially recognized as a public holiday in Portugal, it holds significant cultural importance. Many Portuguese individuals seize the opportunity to take the day off and cherish precious moments with their families.

Public Holidays in April

• Good Friday in Portugal: April 18th
  
• Easter Sunday: April 20th
  If you’d like to know what are the Easter Traditions in Porto, read our Easter Porto Guide.
  
• Freedom Day: April 25th
  Every year on April 25th, we remember the non-violent rebellion that ended a 50-year-long dictatorship and brought democracy and civil liberties to the Portuguese people. Instead of using their guns, the Portuguese military placed carnation flowers down the barrels and marched proudly. It is a very important date in the Portuguese calendar.

Portuguese Holidays in May

• International Worker’s Day: May 1st
  It celebrates the achievements of the labor movement.

Porto’s Public Holidays in June

• Portugal Day: June 10th
  Celebrated every year on June 10th in every corner of the Portuguese-speaking world. Officially known as “Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities”, June 10th commemorates the death of the Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões in 1580.
  
• Corpus Christi: June 19th
  
• Saint John’s Day: June 24th
  June is the month when people in Portugal celebrate the patron saints of their cities. The saint differs from city to city: Porto celebrates Saint John (Festas de São João). Looking to learn more about Saint John’s Day? Read on for an authentic “festas de São João” experience.
  

Holidays in August

• Assumption of Mary: August 15th

Portugal’s Public Holidays in October

• Republic Day: October 5th
  Commemorates the fall of the monarchy and its replacement by the First Republic in Portugal in 1910.

Holidays in November

• All Saints Day: November 1st

Holidays in December

• Restoration of Independence Day: December 1st
  Remembers the day in 1640 when Portugal revolted against Spanish rule and regained its independence.
  
• Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception: December 8th
  
• Christmas Day: December 25th
  If you are planning a visit to Porto during your Christmas holiday, we gathered 9 foodie tips to help you catch the Christmas spirit while staying in our beloved city. 

Tickets to Porto already bought?

Porto has many things to offer, and as a result, it has increasingly become a chosen location for travelers.  If you decide to come, don’t forget to let us know!

Yours truly!
Taste Porto Foodie Team