Throughout the year, Portuguese villages and towns hold weekend Festas (festivals) to celebrate their chosen patron saint. Masses, fireworks, band concerts and good food are the order of the day during these festas. An important such event in Lisbon is the Festas dos Santos Populares, with the most entertaining and fun-filled night being 12 June.

The May Day festival features regional dances and processions while the Estoril Music Festival (between July–August) is set in the picturesque Estoril Cathedral and the Cascais Cidadela Fort.

One of Portugal’s biggest festivals is the colourful Nossa Senhora da Agonia (originating at Viana do Castelo) which honours the Virgin Mary and takes place in August. In the same month is the Mirando do Douro festival, which has stick dances performed to the tune of bagpipes and drums.