The heart of Portugal’s carnaval scene beats in distinctive ways throughout the country. In Torres Vedras, for example, you can expect to find a lot of cross-dressing, over-the-top floats, and satirical performances, while in Funchal, Madeira you’ll see bedazzled revelers with feathered headdresses doing the samba and joining a cortejo trapalhão (a “slapstick,” satirical parade) or two.
To dive into carnaval’s more pagan roots on Shrove Tuesday (March 4, 2025), try navigating through a slew of bell-bashing, mischief-making caretos as they take over the town of Podence or by watching a procession of the masked wacky woodland weirdos of Lazarim (and trust us, you shouldn’t miss either— you can find all the details here).
Lisbon isn’t known as a carnaval destination per se as these places are, but the capital still knows how to celebrate, thanks to organizations and individuals keen to ensure there is fun in store. Below, you’ll find a list of our picks for the best events in and around town so you can embrace the season in whatever bizarre way suits you best.
FEBRUARY 22: COSTUME WORKSHOP | Bombarda Gardens Cultural & Community Center | 11h – 13h | FREE
Largo Residências is hosting a special costume workshop led by Sónia Sousa from Blab Maker Collective. Participants will explore sustainable ways to create masks and costumes for carnaval, giving new life to fabrics and materials. The workshop promotes creativity while raising awareness about the environmental impact of traditional carnaval waste. Attendees are encouraged to bring materials they wish to repurpose, but supplies will also be available. Join the initiative to celebrate carnaval in an eco-friendly and imaginative way. Click here for more information.
FEBRUARY 22: PARTY, WORKSHOPS, & MUSIC – GET INVOLVED! | Fábrica Braço de Prata | TBA
Baque Virado at Music and More: In 2023 the União dos Blocos de Carnaval de Rua de Lisboa was founded as a political-cultural association made up of the majority of the blocks that parade through the streets during carnaval. More than a party, Carnaval de Rua is a political and cultural movement that promotes inclusion and diversity and promotes dialogue between communities, acting to combat xenophobia. Their crowdfunding link hopes to raise enough funds to pull off a kick-a** parade in March (to be announced), so if you’re looking to help them accomplish this goal, think about donating here. In the meantime, on February 22, Baque do Tejo invites everyone to a pre-Carnaval party at Fábrica Braço de Prata for an afternoon full of music, workshops, and a party with lots of drumming and dancing to warm up Lisbon! Keep checking in here for the details .
FEBRUARY 28 | CIRCUS PARADE | Castelo | 14h30 | FREE: Chapitô’s Annual Carnaval Parade: A decade-long tradition featuring music, clowns, circus performers, and big top-themed festivities has been announced here, but best to also check on Chipatô’s Instagram or their website before venturing out, circus folk, and all…
MARCH 1: LUNCH AND CARNAVAL BALL | Casa do Concelho de Idanha-a-Nova | 13h | 24€ (Kids 5-12 half price)
In honor of Our Lady of Loreto, the Lisbon-based Idanha-a-Nova Festival Committee is hosting a carnaval lunch and ball — a lively afternoon filled with food, drinks, entertainment, and surprises. Reservation is required due to limited availability. Check out the menu and make your reservation on their Instagram page.
MARCH 1: CARNIVAL OF COLORS | Museum of Lisbon – Pimenta Palace | 18h – 23h | 6€ (Free for children under 12)
This vibrant carnaval celebration hosted by the Museum of Lisbon has been dedicated to diversity and cultural heritage. The event features workshops, games, food, and music for the whole family. The program includes:
- 18h – 23h: Living Picture Studio (free photos for participants)
- 18h – 21h: Family Workshop “The Invention of Colours”
- 18h – 21h: Clue Game “The Colours of the Museum”
- 18h30: Latin Rhythms Workshop with Udance School
- 20h30: Vogue Workshop with Udance School
- 21h: DJ set by César Martins
MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: CARNAVAL MAZE | Communications Museum | 14h – 17h | 2,50 – 5€
Families are invited to embark on a playful adventure through the Communications Museum’s Carnaval maze. The activity includes themed challenges, hidden surprises, and interactive exhibits related to masked telegraphs, radio carnaval dances, and more. Suitable for families with children aged 6-12.
MARCH 1: CLANDESTINE CARNAVALE PARADE | Museu do Fado to Campo das Cebolas | From 14h | FREE Take it to the streets! Join the Colombina artist collective as they shimmy through Lisboa with wacky costumes, a full brass band, a killer dance troupe, and more! Shake your tailfeathers and join the parade! You can find more information here.
MARCH 2: CARNAVAL KIDS MASQUERADE | Titanic Sur Mer | 15h – 20h | FREE – 20€. Get your costumes ready and bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, music, and revelry! Don’t skimp out on dressing up as there is a contest for the most creative and the most original costumes. During the course of the party, there will be a percussion workshop, lots of dancing, live music, and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained: face painting, bouncy houses, balloon modeling, and more. Kids over 3 years old are welcome, and under the age of 12, they get in for free. Tickets are available here!
MARCH 2 and 4: THEATRICAL CARNAVAL BALL | Teatro Luis de Camões LU.CA Hall | 14h30 – 16h30; 17h – 19h | FREE
Come see the colors and hear the sounds of carnaval set to the beat of tropical rhythms with a backdrop full of sparkles. Expect creative costumes, fun, games, and good vibes at this two-day event. On March 2, LA FLAMA brings tropical rhythms to the LU.CA lounge. And on March 4, Ana Markl will play a fun game: the music that adults like will be disguised as music for children and vice versa. Pop, rock, and other musical genres should get your feet tapping! Find out more here.
MARCH 2: ORCHESTRAL CARNAVAL CONCERT | Centro Cultural de Belém | 10,50 – 35€
The Lisbon Metropolitan Orchestra, conducted by Jan Wierzba, presents a festive concert at the CCB. The program promises an energetic selection of pieces celebrating the spirit of carnaval with rhythm and vibrancy. Check out the program and get tickets here.
MARCH 3: BONGA ANGOLAN CARNAVAL CONCERT | B.Leza | 23h30 | 20€
Legendary Angolan musician Bonga brings the rhythms of semba to B.Leza, tapping the cultural roots of Angolan carnaval and blending music with storytelling. Get your tickets here!
MARCH 21: CARNAVAL PUPPETEERING | Teatro São Luiz | 18h | FREE
Celebrating its 25th edition, FIMFA LX2025 showcases puppet artistry from May 8 to June 1. This preview event offers a glimpse of the festival’s upcoming performances. Get more information here as it becomes available.
