There are a lot of public holidays in Portugal. A lot more than in the Netherlands. Some people love the idea and others hate it. We personally think it's fantastic, because why wouldn't you like extra days off? We do have to admit that it can be a bit annoying with the opening hours of companies and offices, because the country is really in sleep mode for a day. Are you going emigrate to Portugal or do you want to know more about Portugal and its holidays? Then read this article further!
Portuguese communities
Portugal is traditionally a Christian country, the vast majority (95%) of which is Catholic. Holidays in Portugal are therefore often of Christian origin. However, there are also Portuguese holidays that are not only based on Christian traditions, but there are also holidays in Portugal that originate from Arabic or other medieval traditions. These are still celebrated to honor the peoples who lived in the country and their history.
Holidays are important to Portuguese
The Portuguese themselves are a fairly warm people who love to spend a lot of time with friends and family. That is why they also attach great importance to the holidays.
National holidays
| January 1st | New Year's Day | One day |
| April 25 | Labor Day | Day of Liberty (This national holiday is celebrated to celebrate the civil and political freedoms that the Portuguese obtained after the Carnation Revolution in 1974). |
| May 1st | Labor Day | Dia do Trabalhador (This is a day that is recognized in many countries of Europe, because it is an old European spring festival. Unfortunately, it is not an official holiday in the Netherlands. On this day, workers and working classes are celebrated for their existence). |
| June 10 | Portugal Day | Day of Portugal (This is an important national holiday that commemorates the death of Portugal's greatest poet Luis de Camões. This icon died in 1580). |
| August 15 | Assumption of Mary | Assunção de Nossa Senhora (This is the day of Mary's heavenly birthday. On this day she was received into heaven.) |
| October 5th | Republic Day | Implantation of the Republic (This day celebrates the proclamation of the First Portuguese Republic in 1910.) |
| November 1st | All Saints Day | Todos os Santos (A Day of Remembrance for All Christian Saints) |
| December 1st | Independence Day | Day of Restoration (This day celebrates the restoration of independence from Spain). |
| December 8th | Immaculate Conception | Imaculada Conceição (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated) |
| December 25 | First Christmas Day | Natal |
Celebrations
There are also holidays that are not official national holidays, but are celebrated. These are the following days:
| February 14 | Valentine's Day | Valentine's Day |
| February 16 | Shrove Tuesday | This is the day before Ash Wednesday. Also called Carnival Day. |
| April 2nd | Good Friday | Good Friday |
| April 4th | Easter Sunday | Celebration of the resurrection of Jesus |
| June 3 | Corpus Christi | Celebrating the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus, the Son of God, in the Eucharist |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve | Christmas Eve |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | Boxing Day |
| December 31st | New Year's Eve | New Year's Eve |
Festivities
On many national holidays you have to look carefully at the rules that apply to that day. In Portugal, driving bans sometimes apply on a national holiday. However, this often applies to large trucks. But it is always good to investigate this carefully. The local population knows this better than anyone, so it might be useful to ask a neighbour. They have experienced a national holiday like this all their lives.
Also pay attention to other things
As you may have read earlier, driving bans may apply, but there are also other things that you should take into account during the festivities. A good example of this is public transport. During the festivities, they always run with an adjusted timetable. You can compare this with Christmas Day or New Year's Day in the Netherlands. On those days, public transport in the Netherlands also always runs with an adjusted timetable.
Finally..
So Portugal has a few extra days off on the calendar and how nice is that? It fits perfectly with the quiet life of the Portuguese and we are also sure that once you have emigrated you will also enjoy these holidays in Portugal.
Always prepare yourself well for the holidays so that you know what to expect. After this you can enjoy the festivities and in this way you can get to know the locals well and who knows you can also become good friends with the new neighbours in Portugal.
