Carnival

1 - 5 February

The biggest cultural event of the year, the streets and parks of the entire city erupt with parades, dances, parties and general merriment, though most of the major organized events take place at the Parque Nações.

Harbour and Music Festival

1 - 29 February

This event celebrates the ancient tradition of Fado folk singing. This festival provides a great opportunity to experience this enchanting sentimental musical content of traditional fado songs.

Moda Lisboa – Lisbon Fashion Show

1 - 31 March

Each March and October Lisbon hosts its summer and winter fashion shows. During the glitzy week-long events, visitors able to take a sneak preview at the latest collections of the country’s best fashion designers including the cream of the new and emerging talent.

Half-Marathon

16 March

A picturesque and not too strenuous sporting event, this race takes the participants along the River Tagus and ends in Belem at the majestic Jeronimos Monastery - quite a scenic run!

Estoril Open

1 April - 31 May

The country's second biggest sport (after football of course), this is the biggest tennis event in the city, as clay court tennis season begins at the Estadio Nacional in Cruz Quebrada, Lisbon.

Senhor dos Passos Procession

Aoril (2nd Sunday of Lent)

A solemn religious procession accompanied by thousands of onlookers, this is a continuation of a 16th century tradition, is centred on statue of a bleeding Jesus, lifted carried high on a bier of violets. The procession takes place on Good Friday, and is held in Graca area.

Indie Lisboa – International Independent Film Festival

1 - 30 April

The festival is dedicated to discovering new films and independent directors and attracts a lively mix of film aficionados, industry professionals and aspiring filmmakers. The festival is open to both short and feature-length films and includes fiction, animation, documentary and experimental works.

Alkantara Festival

1 - 30 June

The word Alkantara means “the bridge” in Arabic (and is also the name of the neighbourhood where a bridge crosses the river Tejo in Lisbon) and reflects the festival’s objective to build bridges between artists, cultures and art forms where local Portuguese artists working together with performers from around the world in theatre, dance and musical performances.

Lisbon Festivities

1 - 30 June

This popular event is a three-week extravaganza street party with stilt walkers, costumed street entertainers and the mass parades of the "Marchas Populares". The festival is celebrating the city's patron, St Anthony and have a chance to gain an insight into Portuguese culture and learn Fado, a traditional Portuguese singing style that’s full of lament and emotion.

Festas dos Santos Populares

1 - 30 June

This month sees the celebration of two major saint's feast days - St Antonio & St Peter. The entire city is decked out in paper lanterns, streamers and coloured lights, and there are parades through the old quarters and celebrations from dusk to well after dawn.

Lisbon Pride

1 June - 31 July

Known locally as the Arrail Pride, this is the biggest event in the gay and lesbian community, with well over 10,000 people coming out onto the streets to celebrate.