This is Lisbon, so our carnaval is a mix of Brazilian style — let's just say more skin — and Venice carnevale, which favors elaborate ornate costumes. Then there are people over 40 dressed as Disney characters.
Carnaval (carnival for you English speakers) is a time to let loose and get wild behind the cover of a mask and costume, all in preparation for Lent, technically. Most people forget about Lent, though.
The biggest carnaval in Portugal happens at Torres Vedras, but Lisbon does its damndest to keep up. The parties begin on Friday and, since most businesses will be closed on Monday and even Tuesday, continue for four days.
This is Lisbon, so our carnaval is a mix of Brazilian style — let’s just say more skin — and Venice carnevale, which favors elaborate ornate costumes. Then there are people over 40 dressed as Disney characters, too. So you do you. But figure out your dress-up or dress-down, as most of the events have reduced admission if you go incognito or prizes for best in show. Make us proud, Lisboetas.
Friday, Feb. 24
PARADE | Carnaval Arroiano | Arroios | 14h30 – 19h | FREE This parade was started by António Arroio in 1968 and has since been held annually. Become part of the colorful and vibrant crowd, all there to support artistic education in Lisbon, specifically the Ensino Artístico foundation.
The route begins at Rua Coronel Ferreira do Amaral/Escola António Arroio and continues via Avenida Almirante Reis up to Avenida Duque de Loulé and into Praça Marquês de Pombal. From there the route goes down Avenida Liberdade, through Restauradores and Rossio, up the hill to Chiado’s Rua Garrett, past the Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa, onto Rua do Ouro, and finishes in Praça do Comércio — where Los Empty Heads will play a free show.
How they do carnivale in Venice
SUNSET PARTY | Vestigius Wine Bar | Cachaça 51 Sunset Party | Cais do Sodré | 17h30 – 21h30 | FREE Come watch the sunset from this riverside spot in Cais do Sodré accompanied by live music and animation, occasional gifts, and buy-two caipirinhas get-one-free promotion. Advance table bookings on the terrace are available. Just send an email to Patrícia Barbosa at pb(at)vestigius.pt and they’ll get you sorted.
UNIVERSITY PARTY | Jezebel Club | University Carnaval Party | Estoril | 23h50 – 5h | 10€ with bracelet Join the host ROD’AVILA and don your craziest costume for a night of music and surprises. Costume prizes will be awarded, so don’t half-ass it. First place gets a bottle, second place(s) share a bottle, and third place gets five drinks. You’ll have to go over to Estoril to join the celebration, but the train ride should be pretty fun incognito. To get your bracelet, you’ll need to go to the Universidade Atlântica’s Multi-Service office.
DANCE PARTY | EKA Palace | Xabregas | 22h – 5h | 3€ Masked couples get a free shot at this Erasmus-friendly costume party. Come and dance in this palace-turned-community space. There’s plenty of room for everyone. If you haven’t checked out the venue yet, now would be a good time.
THEME PARTY | Bar TR3S | Masquerade | Príncipe Real | 22h – 3h | 5€ Got a mask? You might get a shot. If you don’t have one, they might help you out, but you can forget about any discounts on booze. It pays to be prepared, so prepare yourself for one hell of a bash at this gay club. All are welcome. The party continues with different themes until the 28th of February.
LIVE MUSIC | Titanic Sur Mer | Mundo Mestiço Pre-Carnaval Party | Cais do Sodré | 22h30 – 6h | 8€ Two live music sets and two DJs spanning the globe from Brazil to Angola. A little samba, a little funk, a hint of contemporary African, and a dab of Balkan beats. Whatever you go dressed as, make sure you wear your dancing shoes. Enter between 3h30 and 6h and you’ll get a free drink with the price of admission.
DANCE PARTY | Largo Residencias | Mustache Party | Intendente | 22h – 2h | FREE For those who aren’t into getting all costumed up (we understand it isn’t for everyone), all you need to enter this party is a mustache. But please don’t forget to wear some pants. You’ll be entitled to a special carnival cocktail, whether you choose a handlebar or just a generous fu-manchu. DJs Largo and Wilson Vilares will be playing some dance-worthy tunes.
DANCE PARTY | Trumps | Laundry Room | Príncipe Real | 23h45 – 6h | 3€ Prepare your delicates for their special dry-cleaning service, but only if you’re in costume. Brazilian DJ Harry Louis plans to shake things up while the laundry guys give your undies a full-service hand wash. Don’t worry, they’re all accredited to undress, wash, and dry any type of clothing.
PARTY | Renovar A Mouraria | Carnaval na Mouradia | Mouraria | 18h -2h Come (in costume) to dance with the community in Mouraria. There are prizes for the best costumes between 21h and 2h, so stick around if you’ve worked particularly hard on yours — which of course you should have.
PARTY | Brickoven Palace | Festa de Carnaval | Intendente | 19h – 00h | FREE Come to party and show off your costume for a chance to win one of many prizes. Drinks are cheapish (expect to pay 1,50€ for an imperial), so even if you don’t win, you still get something out of it. And you get to party in a palace.
CONCERT | MusicBox | For Pete’s Sake | Cais do Sodré | 22h – 1h | 7€ Come to MusicBox to party with the band For Pete’s Sake as they release their new album, The Real Dream You Live, in style. Hopefully they’ll play all our old favorites as well, like “Got Soul” and “House,” so make sure your mask has good ear-holes.
DANCE PARTY | Fábrica Braço de Prata | Festa de Carnaval | Beato | 22h – 4h | FREE Expect a lot of dancing alongside some fantastic costumes at this community space. Get it on with your mask on, and prepare to clown around. These guys know how to throw a party, so don’t embarrass yourself by showing up looking like a civilian.
LIFESTYLE PARTY | Embassy of Freedom Club | Venice Carnivali | Almada | 22h – 6h | 5€ Dress to impress at this alternative-lifestyle club. The night will surely be unforgettable with hot soundtracks and live performances by Nuria Dark, Sandra Vida, and gaucho, and possibly some of the clientele in the back room. Go Venetian or go home eyes wide shut.
CABARET | Festa da Comuna | Carnaval Festival |Praça de Espanha | 23h30 – 4h |10€ Are you ready for a little can-can dancing? Watch the ladies and gents of the theater Comuna kick it up a notch until 4am. You might want to make sure your costume isn’t half-assed because these gals are sure to be top-notch. One ticket gets you two free drinks by the way.
DANCE PARTY | MAIN | Mainiacs Carnival | Santos | 23h30 – 6h | 8 – 12€ Be the hero or the villain, the Casper or the Snow White at this animation-themed party. Check out some live music by MC Zuka, and listen to DJs spin into the early morning. Unlike most animated-themed parties, you have to be over 16 to enter. Ladies get in free until 1h30.
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