What are the Public Holidays in Portugal?

In Portugal, public holidays are observed nationwide, providing employees with paid time off to celebrate national, religious, and regional events. Some holidays are fixed, while others may vary depending on the region or municipality. Here’s a guide to understanding public holidays in Portugal.


National Public Holidays

These holidays are observed throughout the entire country:

  1. January 1 – New Year's Day (Ano Novo)

    • Celebration of the first day of the Gregorian calendar year.

  2. April 25 – Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade)

    • Commemorates the 1974 Carnation Revolution, marking the end of dictatorship and the establishment of democracy.

  3. May 1 – Labor Day (Dia do Trabalhador)

    • International holiday honoring workers and their rights.

  4. June 10 – Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas)

    • Celebrates Portuguese identity and culture, as well as the life of national poet Luís de Camões.

  5. August 15 – Assumption of Mary (Assunção de Nossa Senhora)

    • A religious holiday celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.

  6. October 5 – Republic Day (Implantação da República)

    • Marks the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910.

  7. November 1 – All Saints' Day (Dia de Todos os Santos)

    • A Christian holiday celebrating all saints.

  8. December 1 – Restoration of Independence Day (Restauração da Independência)

    • Celebrates the restoration of Portugal's independence from Spain in 1640.

  9. December 8 – Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição)

    • A Catholic holiday celebrating the belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

  10. December 25 – Christmas Day (Dia de Natal)

    • Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is a widely observed holiday in Portugal.


Movable Public Holidays

The following holidays are based on the liturgical calendar and change each year:

  1. Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa)

    • Observed on the Friday before Easter, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

  2. Easter Sunday (Domingo de Páscoa)

    • Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  3. Corpus Christi (Corpo de Deus)

    • A religious feast observed 60 days after Easter.


Regional and Municipal Holidays

In addition to national holidays, each municipality in Portugal has its own local public holidays, which may vary depending on the region. Here are some examples of regional public holidays:

  • June 13 – St. Anthony's Day (Dia de Santo António) – Lisbon

    • Celebrated in Lisbon with festivals and parades to honor Saint Anthony, the city's patron saint.

  • June 24 – St. John’s Day (Dia de São João) – Porto and Braga

    • A lively celebration in Porto, Braga, and other areas, featuring street parties and fireworks.

  • July 1 – Madeira Day (Dia da Região Autónoma da Madeira)

    • Celebrates the autonomy of the Madeira region.

  • August 20 – Day of the Azores (Dia da Região Autónoma dos Açores)

    • Celebrates the autonomous region of the Azores.

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