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Carnival in Portugal: a guide to the best parades

Many Carnival parades in Portugal attract hundreds of visitors and revellers each year. You can find these parades all over the country, offering countless options to choose from. If you're a fan of this festive season, you wouldn't want to miss our guide to enjoy the best of Carnival in Portugal. Rent a car in Portugal with Guerin and start exploring the unique traditions of this season right away.

A tour of Portugal's best Carnival parades

In Portugal, Carnival is a festival full of traditions that date back to the 17th century. It is a time for people to relax before the start of Lent. From carpets to floats with social criticism, hundreds of people parade in the streets wearing their best disguises, joined by a good dose of laughter. The Carnival in Portugal is celebrated throughout the country. There are many options available for a fun-filled experience. Are you ready to join us on this voyage of discovery?

Famalicão Carnival Parade

Hundreds of people from the North come to Vila Nova de Famalicão to attend a festival filled with costumes and popular dances. The party happens throughout the town's streets, where the population participates spontaneously, portraying different characters. The Carnival from Famalicão is known for its natural and lively atmosphere.

Entrudo de Lazarim (Lamego): where tradition endures

If we are talking about an authentic and traditional Carnival in Portugal, then we must mention the Entrudo de Lazarim, in Lamego. It is one of the most original and genuine carnivals in the country. The village of Lazarim is filled with streets where people wear carved wooden masks that represent various carnival demons. During the carnival, people throw flour broth and little ladies roam around the streets. However, the main attraction of the carnival is the caretos. They are an essential part of the carnival and bring to life one of the oldest traditions every year.

Estarreja: here colour is for everyone

Estarreja hosts a popular Carnival parade. The party is focused on inclusivity and aims to remember people living with colour blindness. To achieve this, they have integrated the ColorADD - Colour Identification Code for the Colourblind - into the event. This code will help colourblind individuals identify the distinct colours used in the parade and allow them to fully enjoy the unique festivities.

Ovar: where Carnival is King

The region's most highly anticipated event is about to take place. The city hosts a series of festivities for over a week, including the Carnival Parade, commonly known as the Parade of Entrudo, as well as Carnival Tuesday and another parade on the night before the main date.

The event is meticulously planned throughout the year and features one of the biggest parades in the country. It involves hundreds of performers, with each float featuring sharp social commentary on the relevant issues of the year.

Nazaré: "The beach is up"

Nazaré is not only about waves, as the Nazaré Carnival parade demonstrates. This city offers an array of street dances, parades, and other festivities to celebrate the occasion. The locals actively participate in crafting the costumes that are showcased in the carnival marches. As per the organizers, the way the date is celebrated speaks volumes about the local culture and traditions.

Torres Vedras: genuineness in its purest form

Is it even possible to talk about Carnival parades without mentioning Torres Vedras? The answer is a resounding no. This charming municipality is located just 50 minutes from Lisbon, and it has become a major attraction for those who seek a few days of revelry away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. If you happen to be one of those who loves to celebrate Carnival in Portugal, then Torres Vedras is worth a visit. You'll find dozens of floats, as well as many matrafonas (men dressed as women) and giant headdresses. There's a bit of everything waiting for you here!

Loulé Carnival: where the temperatures help

If you're someone who likes a Carnival parade with a Brazilian flavor, Loulé is the perfect destination for you. The town, located in the Algarve, boasts mild temperatures during this time of year, attracting thousands of people who come to celebrate. At Loulé's Carnival parade, you can enjoy a grand spectacle with hundreds of performers and various floats featuring the participation of different associations in the municipality. From circus performers to other exciting acts, the parade promises to be a lot of fun.

Visit the Carnival parades with Guerin

Explore Portugal's biggest Carnival parades from North to the Algarve with Guerin car rentals. Immerse yourself in weeks of unique cultural traditions and plenty of fantasy. Carnival in Portugal is not complete without some fun. Therefore, make the most of Guerin's additional products to ensure that you travel with more peace of mind. From having an "Additional Driver" to getting "Premium Road Assistance", you can rest assured that no unexpected event will disrupt your holiday.

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