Autumn in Portugal is the time for different festivals, celebrating the country’s vibrant culture, history, and foods. There is a festival in bustling Lisbon or a quiet village in the countryside for everybody. You must attend at least one of the many festivals be it wine, horses, or just participating in the local tradition.
Festa de São Martinho (St. Martin’s Day)
Where: Throughout Portugal
When: November 11th
What It’s About: St. Martin’s Day is the day that brings all people together for the tasting of roasted chestnuts and new wine. It also celebrates the closing of the agricultural year and the opening of the winemaking season. Everywhere across Portugal, you can find local fairs, bonfires, and many opportunities to taste fresh wines from that year.
Why You Should Go: It’s warm and homey—just what you’d wish for in a classic experience, shared with other people.
What a lovely simplicity. That’s what made the St. Martin feast so beautiful. Best part of the trip—chestnuts and wine shared with locals.
Sophia L., November 2022, TripAdvisor
Insider’s Tip: I would recommend going to any of the smaller villages, where you will experience a more authentic, up-close celebration.
Festa do Vinho e das Vindimas (Wine and Harvest Festival)
Where: Bucelas, Near Lisbon
When: Late September to Early October
What It’s About: Bucelas, a region known for the production of light white wines, toasts the grape harvest with this festival in earnest. Expect to see traditional grape stomping, parades, and lots of wine tasting. It is a great experience to explore the local wine culture.
Why You Should Go: This, perhaps, is your unique opportunity to taste the local varieties of wine and learn how it is made. The enthusiasm and passion of the local community really make it.
The atmosphere at the Bucelas wine festival was brilliant. Being part of the traditional treading of grapes and being able to sample the wines in their very birthplace was irreplaceable.
James T., TripAdvisor, Oct 2021
Local Tip: Take home a bottle or two of Bucelas wine as your local souvenir.
Feira Nacional do Cavalo
Where: Golegã, Santarém District
When: Early to Mid-November
What It’s About: Golegã is famous for its Lusitano horses, and the festival is the high point of the year for equestrian aficionados. This town organizes competitions, parades, and exhibitions; all show the beautiful and capable horse.
Why You Should Go: Even if you’re not a horse enthusiast, the colorful atmosphere and history behind the event are well worth attending. The pride of the locals in their culture with horses is so obvious.
A magical experience not only for a non-equestrian like me but also for everyone else. Parades and contests were just riveting.
Anna R., TripAdvisor, November 2022
Tip: Come early in the morning to visit the stables and you might see some of those royal horses at their leisure.
Festa do Alvarinho e do Fumeiro (Alvarinho and Smoked Meats Festival)
Where: Melgaço, Viana do Castelo District
When: The beginning of November
What It’s About: A feast for the senses, this festival celebrates both the region’s acclaimed Alvarinho wine and its hearty tradition of smoked meats. It’s a gathering where tastings are done, and you learn about the art of matching wine with food.
Why You Should Go: It’s not just about the food and wine; it’s about the stories behind them. The locals are more than happy to share their customs, so this festival is truly immersive.
The Alvarinho and smoked meats festival was a culinary delight. The flavors were rich, and the atmosphere very welcoming.
Marco P., TripAdvisor, November 2021
Insider’s Hint: Take a guided tour of one of the local wineries and discover the secrets of Alvarinho wine production.
Festival Nacional de Gastronomia
Where: Santarém, Santarém District
When: Late October to Early November
What It’s About: Set in the historic town of Santarém, this festival celebrates the many culinary traditions of Portugal. There will be a wide variety of dishes available to taste from all over the country as well as cooking demonstrations and workshops.
Why You Should Go: If you are a foodie, this festival will be just like a dream. There is no other place that serves the variety and quality of dishes presented here, and you will be leaving more in love with Portuguese cuisine.
This food festival of Santarém was the best. So much variety of dishes with so much passion from the chefs really inspired.
Emily K., TripAdvisor, October 2022
Insider Tip: Get there at least a little early so that you can beat the crowd and try a little bit of everything.
Óbidos Vila Natal
Where: Óbidos, Leiria District
When: Late November through December
What It’s About: This time of the year, Óbidos becomes a magical village with Christmas. The medieval town is lighted up by an ice rink and a market with loads of Christmas products.
Why You Should Go: It’s a picture-perfect way to start the holiday season. With the charming setting and holiday spirit, it is an experience for visitors of any age to cherish.
Óbidos at Christmastime—it’s like stepping into a storybook. The lights, the market, and the overall atmosphere are just magical.
Laura M., on TripAdvisor, December 2021
Insider Tip: A visit during the week ensures that you have a much more peaceful experience, away from the weekend hordes.
Autumn Festivals in Portugal
Autumn in Portugal offers a very special opportunity to get under the skin of this country’s rich, cultural traditions. These festivals do not consist of just events but a window to the heart of Portuguese life. Whether one is enjoying wine, watching horses, or tasting local food, these experiences remain with one always.
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