In Portugal there is a deep-rooted respect throughout the country for ancient traditions, which is often reflected in religious festivals or festas.

Festas are held all over the country throughout the year and can celebrate all manner of things including saint's days, pilgrimages, traditional dances, wine, music, gastronomy, sporting and harvest events.

Some of these festivals have been in existence for many centuries. Newer festivals, featuring art and movies, are also showcased throughout the country. The following are just a few of the more prominent celebrations.

Carnival: occurs in February during the three day period before Ash Wednesday. In Portugal, this period is called "Entrudo", the commemorative name of the beginning of Lent. In various regions of Portugal, the Carnival is celebrated with costumes, parties, dances, spectacular and colourful parades of costume, namely in Lisbon, Loulé(Faro), Nazaré, Torres Vedras, Ovar, Mealhada, Viana do Castelo, Sines, Alcobaça and Funchal.

Domingo de Ramos: is celebrated the Sunday before Easter Sunday. This festival is celebrated in remembrance of the offer made to Jesus Christ by his followers, when Christ came down the Olive trees Hill, after having stayed there, in solitude, for 40 days in meditation. People get a small bunch of olive tree branches and rosemary, they go to the church in procession. Then, in the church, the priest blesses the branches with the holy water and says Mass.

Portugal's National Day and Camões Day: takes place on the 10th of June. This day celebrates Portugal's independence, as well as, its epic poet, Luís Vaz de Camões, who told the story of the nautical discoveries in 'Os Lusíadas' in 1572. This day has emphasis on cultural events with traditional celebrations.

All Saints Day: The first of November is a holiday all over the country and it is celebrated in the cemeteries, visiting and decorating the graves of relatives and friends with flowers.

St. Martin's Day and Women's St. Martin: takes place on the 9th-10th of November. St. Martin's Day begins in the afternoon on the 10th, where people eat grilled chestnuts and drink jerupiga and água-pé. Children paint their faces with the coal used to grill the chestnuts as a playful way. It begins in the afternoon -- people eat grilled chestnuts and drink "jerupiga" and "água-pé". Some also paint their faces with the coal used to grill the chestnuts. On the 9th,Women's St. Martin Day is celebrated with only women taking part in the festivities. The women eat the grilled chestnuts and enjoy the celebrated beverages.