Portugal Public Holidays in 2024

We reached a new year and public holidays are always a good time to make some reflections and plans. They are times of festivities and contemplation. Public holidays reflect the traditions and the culture of one determined country. Not only offers moments of celebration but also prompts us to consider a big reflection on our own lives.

As they represent the culture of Portugal, it is important to be familiar with them and recognize their official names. That's why we have created a table listing the days and their official names, helping to acknowledge the historical significance behind each public holiday.

Public Holidays across Portugal:

1st January (Monday) – New Year’s Day

29th March (Friday) – Good Friday

31st March (Sunday) – Easter Sunday

25th April (Thursday) – Liberty Day

1st May (Wednesday) – Worker’s Day

10th June (Monday) - Day of Portugal, Camões and Portuguese Communities

20th June (Thursday) – Corpus Christi 

15th August (Thursday) – Assumption Day

5th October (Saturday) – Implantation of the Republic 

1st November (Friday) – All Saint’s Day

1st December (Sunday) – Independence Restauration Day

8th December (Sunday) – Feast of Immaculate Conception

25th December (Wednesday) – Christmas Day 

The optional or additional holiday is Carnival, which normally is generally allowed as a day off but depends on the judgement of each local council.

13th February (Tuesday) – Carnival 

The municipal public holidays in Portugal can vary depending on the municipality. In June, the main three Popular Saints – Santos Populares - are celebrated and many cities and councils recognise these festivities as a public municipal holiday. Lisbon has 13th June (Thursday) to celebrate Saint Anthony*, and in Porto is Saint John** which is on 24th June (Monday) and in Sintra is Saint Peter***, celebrated on 29th June (Saturday).

Public holidays offer an opportune moment for strategic thinking. As we mark the calendar and contemplate the year ahead, the idea of making a fresh start takes centre stage—a notion that resonates strongly with those considering a residency journey in Portugal.

For those with a strategic mindset, this period prompts a closer look at acquiring a residence through investment in Portugal, where the allure of a bright start aligns seamlessly with the celebratory spirit. With this collective pause, inviting individuals to ponder a new life in Portugal through the Portugal Golden Visa programme.

Portugal, known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse cultural legacy, indicates those seeking to smarten up. Public holidays become not just a time for celebration but also a gateway to exploring the viewpoint of establishing residency in a country that values tradition and offers a stable foundation. 

An ideal pathway for those ready to take a step into the realm of Portugal's enchantment is the D7 Visa, an amazing route for those eager to fully embrace and indulge in the rich, captivating attraction of this beautiful country.

If you're keen on discovering the richness of life in Portugal, feel free to get in touch with us. We'll be delighted to offer our help.

* (Municipalities that celebrate Saint Anthony) Aljustrel, Alvaiázere, Amares, Cascais, Estarreja, Ferreira do Zêzere, Lisboa, Proença-a-Nova, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Vale de Cambra, Vila Nova da Barquinha, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Vila Real, Vila Verde.

** (Municipalities that celebrate Saint John) Angra do Heroísmo, Horta, Porto Santo, Calheta, Figueira da Foz, Tavira, Moura, Almada, Alcácer do Sal, Lousã, Lourinhã, Alcochete, S. João da Pesqueira, Armamar, Castelo de Paiva, Sertã, Tabuaço, Mértola, Almodôvar, Arronches, Castro Marim, Cinfães, Figueiró dos Vinhos, Moimenta da Beira, Nelas, Santa Cruz das Flores, Vila Franca do Campo e Vila do Porto, Gaia, Vila do Conde, Valongo, Braga e Terras de Bouro.

*** (Municipalities that celebrate Saint Peter) Póvoa de Varzim, Sintra, Montijo, Évora, Castro Verde, São Pedro do Sul, Seixal, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Ribeira Grande, Felgueiras e Bombarral, S. Pedro do Sul.