
Portugal has a rich cultural heritage, and one way to experience it is by celebrating the bank holidays. There are 13 public holidays in Portugal, including the New Year's Day on January 1st.
The first bank holiday in Portugal is New Year's Day, which is celebrated on January 1st. This day is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
In addition to New Year's Day, Portugal also celebrates the Epiphany on January 6th, which marks the arrival of the Magi to the baby Jesus. This holiday is celebrated with traditional sweets and gifts.
The Carnaval celebrations take place in the weeks leading up to Lent, usually in February or March. This festive period is a great time to experience Portugal's vibrant culture and traditions.
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Portugal National Holidays
Portugal has a total of 13 public holidays, plus an optional extra, which is Carnival Day. Each municipality also has one other holiday that typically coincides with the region's Patron Saint's Day.

New Year's is a widely celebrated holiday in Portugal, taking place on January 1st. It's the first day of the new year, and a great time to visit the country.
Some other notable national holidays in Portugal include Labor Day (May 1st), which commemorates the workers' day, and Dia da Liberdade (April 25th), which remembers the 1974 revolution that liberated the country from a 48-year-long dictatorship.
Here is a list of Portugal's national holidays:
1st December – Restoration of Independence
On December 1st, Portugal celebrates Restoration of Independence Day, marking the day it regained its independence from Spanish rule after 60 years. This significant event in Portuguese history is a testament to the country's resilience and determination.
The Spanish rule lasted for six decades, a long and challenging period for the Portuguese people.
National Holidays in Portugal
Portugal has 13 public holidays, plus an optional extra, Carnival Day. Each municipality also celebrates its own Patron Saint's Day, which typically coincides with the region's celebrations.

Some of the national holidays in Portugal include New Year's Day on January 1st, and Dia da Liberdade on April 25th, which commemorates the 1974 revolution.
The list of national holidays in Portugal is as follows:
Carnival is a big celebration in Portugal, taking place 47 days before Easter, on the first day of Lent. It's a time for big public street parties and parades, often with a political and social critique.
Understanding Holidays in Portugal
Portugal has a rich tradition of celebrating various holidays throughout the year, and it's essential to understand the different types of holidays to plan your trip accordingly.
There are two main types of holidays in Portugal: national holidays and regional holidays, also known as bank holidays.
National holidays are observed across the country, and you'll find that many businesses, restaurants, and attractions are closed on these days.
Some of the national holidays in Portugal include New Year's Day (1st January), Liberation Day (25th April), and Christmas (25th December).
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Here's a list of national holidays in Portugal:
Regional holidays, or bank holidays, are observed in specific regions or towns and can vary from year to year.
One of the most interesting regional holidays in Portugal is the celebration of the Popular Saints, which takes place in June.
The Popular Saints are Saint Anthony, Saint John, and Saint Peter, and each region or town only celebrates one of their feast days as a bank holiday.
Here's a list of the Popular Saints' feast days:
- 13th of June: Saint Anthony's Day
- 24th of June: Saint John's Day
- 29th of June: Saint Peter's Day
It's worth noting that the dates of these holidays can vary from year to year, so it's always a good idea to check the local calendar before planning your trip.
By understanding the different types of holidays in Portugal, you can plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
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Need Help with Holiday Leave and Agreements?
If you're planning to take a holiday in Portugal, you'll want to know about the country's bank holidays and how they affect your trip.

In Portugal, there are 13 national holidays, including the six bank holidays. These holidays are usually observed on fixed dates, except for the Immaculate Conception and Christmas holidays, which are observed on the closest Monday to the actual date.
The bank holidays in Portugal are usually a great time to explore the country and enjoy its beautiful landscapes and cultural events.
The longest bank holiday in Portugal is the Labour Day, which is a four-day holiday. This is because it's a public holiday that includes the Monday and Tuesday that follow the actual day, May 1st.
If you're planning a trip to Portugal, it's essential to check the bank holiday dates to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans.
The bank holidays in Portugal can be a great opportunity to visit popular tourist destinations without the crowds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What day is everything closed in Portugal?
In Portugal, many traditional shops are closed on Sundays, but shopping centres and malls in big cities usually stay open. Sundays are the typical day off for smaller town shops.
How many bank holidays are there in Portugal in 2024?
There are 13 public holidays in Portugal in 2024, including traditional celebrations like New Year's Day and Christmas.
What is the biggest holiday in Portugal?
Portugal's biggest holiday is Carnival, a centuries-old festival that takes place in February or March. This vibrant celebration is the country's most important popular festival.
Sources
- https://thesoundsofportuguese.com/bank-holidays-in-portugal/
- https://www.pearlsofportugal.com/living-in-portugal/national-holidays/
- https://lisbonlisboaportugal.com/Lisbon-information/portugal_public_holiday.html
- https://www.algarveluzbay.com/public-holidays/
- https://boundlesshq.com/guides/portugal/leave/
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