Easter in Portugal: explore through the flavors and traditions.
Easter in Portugal is much more than a religious holiday: it's a celebration of traditions and flavours that span generations and is one of the country's most important dates.
From tables laden with sweet and savoury treats to the various events and celebrations taking place in each city, you can always make the most of this time of year. It's a great time to explore the country's various regions and their traditions. Take this journey of flavours and traditions through Portugal.
The best of gastronomy during Easter in Portugal.
The Easter in Portugal can be felt and tasted. The season's gastronomy is a reflection of the culture and can vary depending on the region. However, they are all delicious and worth trying, or Portugal wouldn't be a country with a good fork.
Roast goat and lamb.
Roast goat or lamb, usually accompanied by roast potatoes and oven rice, are some of the most emblematic dishes during Easter in Portugal. Places like Trás-os-Montes and the Douro are recognised for the traditional way they prepare cabrito. In Alentejo, on the other hand, it's lamb that takes centre stage.
Folar and Pão-de-Ló
Both the traditional Easter folar and the famous sponge cake are staples at the table. Folar varies between sweet and savoury. In the Algarve, for example, it is known for being sweet and made with honey and cinnamon, while in the north and centre of the country it is salty and filled with sausages.
Sweet folares are usually accompanied by a boiled egg on top. Sponge cake, with its fluffy texture, is a classic throughout the country. In Ovar, the sponge cake is moist and creamy and stands out for its egg custard.
Soups and sausages.
In Trás-os-Montes, Easter is celebrated with rich soups such as chestnut soup or chickpea soup with sausages. In the Minho region, sarrabulho porridge, rojões and local sausages are also a must. Visit Mirandela or Ponte de Lima and taste and savour these traditional delicacies.
Discover the best-known events during the Easter in Portugal.
Easter in Portugal is marked by religious and cultural celebrations that mix faith with the art of representation and historical recreation. Different areas of the country have all kinds of events that promise to provide many moments of excitement.
Visit of the Compass.
The paschal compass is a religious tradition that takes place especially in smaller, rural areas. It is a celebration in which a cross is carried through the streets, from house to house, accompanied by a group of the faithful. During the visit, the priest or person in charge blesses the families and homes in a symbolic act.
Way of the Cross.
One of the most important traditions during Easter in Portugal is the Stations of the Cross. Celebrated in various cities across the country on the evening of Good Friday, this ceremony retraces the journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary, where 14 stop are made representing key stages in history.
Holy Week in Braga.
Holy Week in Braga is one of the most emblematic celebrations during Easter in Portugal. It takes place every year between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday and attracts thousands of visitors who come not only to enjoy the religious experience, but also to appreciate the grandeur of the ceremonies.
Flower Torch Festival in São Brás de Alportel
In São Brás de Alportel, in the Algarve, the Flower Torch Festival is one of the biggest Easter celebrations in the south of the country. The main attraction of the festival is the procession in which the participants - locals and tourists - carry large torches made of flowers. The torches are made with different types of fresh flowers, which are carefully intertwined, creating colourful designs and patterns.
Itineraries from north to south to enjoy Easter in Portugal.
Look at our suggestions and take advantage of Easter in Portugal to travel around and explore a different side of the country, full of traditions and delicious delicacies that define this date so well.
The North.
Start in Porto, head to Braga for Holy Week, visit Guimarães and finish in Ponte de Lima to sample the gastronomy of Minho.
Through the Centre and Beira Interior.
Find out what to see in Óbidos, as well as its Easter events, head to Alcobaça for convent sweets and finish in Coimbra to visit the city with the oldest university in the country.
Depart from Viseu, pass through Covilhã for traditional sweets and finish in Guarda, where you can watch the traditional Easter processions.
Through the Alentejo.
Visit Évora and Reguengos de Monsaraz, where lamb is the star of the table, and finish in Beja where you can enjoy the region's vineyards.
Through the Algarve.
Set off from Faro, take part in the Flower Torch Festival in São Brás de Alportel and finish in Tavira, known for its almond sweets.
Discover the Best of Easter in Portugal with Enterprise
Renting a car with Enterprise is the best way to travel across Portugal, offering unique comfort and flexibility to make the most of each destination. Just pick the model that suits you, pack your bags, and set out to discover the country’s finest offerings.
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