Ask Afpop
In this monthly column, afpop, Portugal’s largest foreign residents’ association, aims to answer some of the most frequently-asked questions by members.
QUESTION: Is there a list of which days the local town holidays will occur this year?
afpop ANSWERS: Most, if not all, towns in the country have a day of celebration, which is always the same date each year and which goes back many years. They are occasions for people in the villages, towns and cities across Portugal to get together and celebrate. In modern times, it’s not usual for all shops and services in the town to close, but generally all government and banking offices do. Some stores will stay open, but most will still close and give their staff the day off.
The following are the dates for public or national holidays in Portugal in 2021.
2021 Feriados Nacionais National Holidays
January 1: Ano Novo – New Year
February 16: Entrudo – Carnival
April 2: Sexta-Feira Santa – Good Friday
April 4: Páscoa – Easter
April 25: Dia da Liberdade – Liberty Day
May 1: Dia do Trabalhador – May Day
June 3: Corpo de Deus – Corpus Christi
June 10: Dia de Portugal – Portugal Day
August 15: Assunção – Assumption of the Virgin
October 5: Implantação da República – Foundation of the Republic
November 1: Dia de Todos os Santos – All Saints Day
December 1: Restauração da Independência – Restauration of Independence
December 8: Imaculada Conceição – Immaculate Conception
December 25: Natal – Christmas
Town Holidays 2021
Below is a short list of some municipal holidays. If you are travelling to another town or are not sure when there is town holiday, you may find a complete list in the ‘agenda’ in Portuguese diaries or online at www.visitarportugal.pt/listas-ordenadas/feriados
Albufeira – August 20
Alcoutim – September 15
Aljezur – August 29
Castro Marim – June 24
Faro – September 7
Lagoa – September 8
Lagos – October 27
Lisbon – June 13
Loulé – May 25
Monchique – May 13
Odemira – September 8
Olhão – June 16
Portimão – December 11
S. Brás Alportel – June 1
Silves – September 3
Tavira – June 24
Vila do do Bispo – January 22
V. R. de S. António – May 13
For more information about the benefits of membership of afpop, the largest association for foreign residents in Portugal, you can visit their website www.afpop.com; email them direct on [email protected] or call the afpop office on 282 458 509 or 938 252 100. Please remember to quote the Algarve Resident when contacting them.
