Carnival is one of the best times of the year to visit the north of Portugal (and the perfect excuse to join a Porto Food Tour). It’s a holiday filled with music, dancing, costumes, wine, beer, and (of course) plenty of traditional Portuguese food. But Carnival isn’t just about parties. Behind the masks and celebrations, there’s actually a fascinating story… and it all starts at the table.

Carnival in Porto

What does “Carnevale” actually mean?

Here’s something many visitors don’t realize. The word Carnival (Carnevale) comes from Latin and literally means: “to put away the meat”. Yes, Carnival is about saying goodbye to meat. Why? Because Lent comes right after.

In the Christian calendar, Lent is 40 days of fasting and restraint leading up to Easter. Traditionally, Catholics avoided meat and rich foods, choosing simpler, humbler meals instead.

So before the quiet season… came the feast. Carnival became the last chance to indulge: to gather friends and family, cook generously, and enjoy all the good stuff while you still could. And in Portugal, that indulgence has a name: Cozido à Portuguesa.

A big, steaming pot filled with different meats, sausages, and vegetables, meant to be shared around the table. It’s hearty, festive, and wonderfully over-the-top (exactly what a “farewell to meat” meal should be).

The rhythm of the season

There’s a beautiful logic to it all: Carnival → Fat Tuesday → Lent → 40 days of fasting → Easter
The climax of the Carnival week is Fat Tuesday (Terça-feira Gorda). This is the last big day of indulgence before Lent begins the next morning on Ash Wednesday.

Understanding this cycle makes Carnival in Porto feel even more meaningful. It’s not just a party. It’s tradition, culture, and history served on a plate. And if you really want to taste how all of this comes together, join us on a Porto Food Tour and we’ll show you exactly how Carnival, culture, and food are connected, one delicious stop at a time.

Carnival in Porto: what to do and eat

Join us for a Three-Day Carnival Celebration in Porto

There are two sayings that pretty much define all the fuss around Carnival:

• It’s Carnival, nobody will be offended! (É Carnaval, ninguém leva a mal!)
  This popular saying expresses the feeling of absolute freedom that takes over the country during the festive season of Carnival.
  
• Life is two days and Carnival is three! (A vida são dois dias, o Carnaval são três!)
  This pretty accurately represents how Carnival festivities are regarded in Portugal. Carnival is an excuse for friends, families, and solo travelers to indulge in dressing up, eating, drinking, and dancing… for three days straight.

There’s also a very old Carnival tradition that takes place in the region of Trás-os-Montes. We’re talking about Caretos, a ritual where masqueraded figures run through the ancient streets, shouting excitedly and causing rowdy mischief. Caretos are now recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Say bye-bye to cold

Portuguese just wanna have fun! During Carnival, winter seems to disappear. The streets fill with color, music, and laughter. Locals walk around in creative costumes: expect clowns, superheroes, and yes, lots of little Elsas from Frozen. Bars and nightclubs host themed parties, and the city feels lighter, louder, and more playful.

Embrace the Portuguese culture (through food!)

Carnival, rooted in Catholic traditions, began as a preparation for Easter. But today, even if you’re not religious, it’s still one of the best moments to experience Portuguese food culture at its most festive. Because Carnival in Porto isn’t only something you see, it’s something you taste. This is the perfect time to:

• visit traditional taverns;
• try seasonal dishes;
• enjoy hearty local recipes;
• and understand the stories behind the food.

Food is how Porto celebrates. And honestly? There’s no better way to connect with the city.

Tickets to Carnival in Porto already bought?

These are just a few of the things that make it worth visiting Porto during Carnival. Join us on our Food & Wine tasting tours to discover Porto’s unique culinary offerings. Book a Porto Food Tour now and make your Carnival in Portugal memorable!

Cheers!
The Taste Porto Foodie Team