From Ovar to Sesimbra: The 7 best Carnival parties you have to visit
Exuberant Carnival parties, costumes, and parades are what does not lack from north to south of the country.
No need to travel to Rio de Janeiro or Venice to live the fun of Carnival to the fullest.
Momondo, a travel search engine, hotel, and rental car, shares all the details of 7 locations to celebrate the Carnival in Portugal.
Torres Vedras
The Carnival of Torres Vedras is undoubtedly one of the best known in the country, perhaps due to the inexhaustible amount of programs that fill the 5 days of celebration. The days are characterized by parades of floats, followed by DJs and party in the bars and stages scattered throughout the historic center, with special emphasis on the parades on Sunday and Tuesday Carnival. Candidate for Intangible National Heritage of UNESCO, the Carnival of Torres Vedras promises to be one of the festivals of the year.
Alcobaça
The historical center of Alcobaça is completely transformed in order to receive the Carnival, celebrated with great inspiration in the Brazilian traditions. The symbol of the Carnival of Alcobaça is the tent set up in front of the Monastery, which receives thousands of people party until dawn. Not to be missed also the renowned DJs, which have been the great attraction of the festivities.
Sesimbra
If you want to get closer to Lisbon, without being out of the fun, it is best to choose the Carnival of Sesimbra. The local community has an important role and counts on the participation of parades, samba schools, and recreational groups. Even over the sea, the proposals of live music, beach bars, and grilled fish, to remember the holidays, are always absolutely not to be missed.
Loulé
Further south, in Loulé, one of the country’s hottest carnivals is celebrated. In this party, in the Algarve, the Brazilian motifs are evident, which is even noticed by the reduced clothes that the participants of the parades wear. Do not miss the floats that have political and social satire, thought by the local schools.
Ovar
The Carnival of Ovar, in the district of Aveiro, deserves a visit at least once in life. The joy you feel in the 10 days of partying is contagious, and it is safe to say that the whole city is in celebration. The Carnival Village, the festival grounds, welcomes thousands of people, whether day or night!
Sines
With great joy and samba, the Alentejo also celebrates Carnival, especially in the city of Sines. Political-social criticism is also heard, with notes on the most important national figures in their areas. The ideal is to choose a good mask and stroll through the alleys of Sines, in search of the best party. At the end of the day, walk along the seafront and discover the nightlife spots on the beaches.
Funchal
A flight to Funchal is the guarantee to live an even hotter Carnival, where the city of Santa Cruz is in full party. The hotels on the island organize great parties, involving tourists. In particular, the Allegorical and Trapalhão Courts, each more competitive than the other. Besides the parades, do not forget to taste the ponchas, the wine of the wood and the stalks in the local fashion.
