Easter is one of the most important religious celebrations in Portugal. Full of unique and exciting cultural and gastronomic traditions, Easter is celebrated all over the country. Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, an occasion that is commemorated all over the world by Christians of different denominations. The Holy Week is celebrated in a very special way in several countries, including Portugal, and in 2024 this won’t be an exception.

The date of Easter is based on the lunar calendar, which means that it doesn't fall on the same date every year. The date of Easter in Portugal is always the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs after the spring equinox. Easter in 2024 is a week earlier than in 2023. Easter Sunday is on 31 March and Good Friday is on 29 March.

Besides all its religious significance, Easter is a time of renewal and rebirth, celebrated through traditions and customs that vary according to the region and local culture. In Portugal, Easter is celebrated among people with religious processions and rituals, but also with various typical dishes.

Easter also has a strong component of community tradition, since it is a time when people get together to exchange wishes of peace and joy. And what is one of the most popular traditions? The opening of the door to the compass (Compasso). The practice involves visiting the homes of neighbors and friends with a cross and an image of the Risen Christ, accompanied by a group of singers. Upon arriving at a house, the members of the Compasso say a short prayer and are invited to taste some of the food in return.

Over time, Easter has been adapted and reinterpreted in different ways, both religiously and culturally. However, the central message of renewal, hope and faith remains the most important point of this celebration. 

Easter in the North of Portugal

In the North of Portugal, for example in Porto, Braga and Guimarães, one of the most popular traditions is the Procession of the Steps. In this custom, people walk through the streets while carrying images of Jesus Christ and stop at various churches for prayers and singing.

In the North of Portugal, one of the most typical gastronomies is the Easter Folar: a sweet bread, typical of the season, which is filled with ham, salami or chorizo. The folar is usually made in large sizes and shared between friends and family. In some places, such as Bragança, the Folar is salted rather than sweet. 

See here what to do and see in Porto.

Easter in Central Portugal

In the center of Portugal, as in Aveiro and Coimbra, Easter is celebrated with traditions that go back several centuries. And what are the most important traditions? One of the best known is the “Queima do Judas”, in which a dummy made of straw is built, representing Judas Iscariot. This puppet is then burnt in a public square, in a symbolic act of punishment. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is known for betraying Jesus and handing him over to the Jewish religious leaders, which led to his arrest and death sentence. In some villages, processions are accompanied by hooded men carrying crosses in a dramatic representation of the Passion of Christ.

Another very popular custom in the center of Portugal, although different from the north of the country, is the Folar de Páscoa, a sweet bread made with flour, eggs, sugar and cinnamon. The Folar is usually decorated with hard-boiled eggs and is eaten with cheese, ham and a glass of wine.

During the procession of the Burial of the Lord, which takes place all over Central Portugal, it is traditional to decorate the streets with flowers and carpets of petals, creating a very solemn and emotional atmosphere.

In some villages of Serra da Estrela, it is common to make “Queimado”, a hot drink made with brandy, sugar, lemon and cinnamon, served in big jugs.

See here what to do and see in Aveiro and Coimbra.

Easter in Lisbon and Tagus Valley    

In the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region, Easter is celebrated with traditions that include the Procession of the Burial of the Lord and the Easter Folar, just like in the center of the country. In Alenquer, specifically, it is customary to make a “Carro da Mata”: a car decorated with flowers and vegetables, which is carried in procession through the streets, helping to create a festive and very colorful atmosphere.

In the region of Santarém, it is common to eat “torricado de bacalhau com couves” (salt cod and cabbage): a typical seasonal dish, which combines the flavor of salt cod and vegetables. 

See here what to do and see in Lisbon.

Easter in the Alentejo  

In the Alentejo, Easter is celebrated with traditions that include the Procession of the Steps, as in the North of Portugal, and the “Queima do Judas”, as in the center of the country, and it is also usual to make Easter Folar.

And what other traditions are there in the Alentejo? Another Easter tradition in the Alentejo is the Blessing of the Lambs, which takes place in Castelo de Vide. In this event, shepherds take their flocks to the town center to be blessed and then sold. Chocalhada, a night-time event, also held in Castelo de Vide, is a festive celebration where people walk through the town to the sound of rattles.

In some villages in the region, making “Morgado” is a tradition, which is a sweet made with almonds, sugar, and eggs. On the other hand, in the region of Évora, it is common to eat roast lamb at Easter, a dish that combines the taste of lamb with typical spices of the region.

Easter in the Algarve

In the Algarve, Easter is celebrated with various traditions. Similar to central Portugal, there is the “Queima do Judas” and the Easter Folar. In the city of Tavira, the Procession of Senhor dos Passos is held, as in the North of the country. And what about traditions more specific to the region? It's worth highlighting the Rod Car Race, in São Brás de Alportel, which is a very popular event among local young people. 

São Brás de Alportel also has the Procession of Flowers, in homage to the resurrection of Christ, with men and boys holding torches of colored flowers, in two parallel rows, on the sides of the carpet of flowers.

In the Algarve region, it is common to make Torta de Páscoa: a sweet cake with almonds and sugar. In some villages, it is still a tradition to make Polvo à Lagareiro, a dish of octopus roasted with garlic and olive oil. On the island of Tavira, on the other hand, it is common to make a Sopa de Grão: a soup made with chickpeas, bread, coriander and boiled eggs. 

See here what to do and see in Algarve.

Easter in the Azores

In the Azores Islands, the tradition of the Procession of Senhor dos Passos, typical of the North of Portugal, and the Easter Folar, which also takes place in the Centre of the country, are kept alive. What about celebrations that are more typical of the Azores? We have the Procession of Senhor da Pedra: a procession that takes place on Easter Monday on the island of São Miguel. In it, people gather and walk to a chapel located on top of a hill, where they venerate the image of “Senhor da Pedra”. In addition, it is customary the “Cantar dos Reis” (Singing of the Kings): a tradition that takes place at Christmas, but that in some islands also takes place at Easter. In this tradition, groups of people visit the neighbors' houses and sing traditional and religious songs. In exchange, the residents offer food and drinks.

Discover what to do and see in the Azores.

Easter in Madeira

In Madeira, besides the Procession of Senhor dos Passos (which takes place on Holy Thursday) and the Easter Folar, there is the preparation of a sweet bread known as Bolo de Mel. This cake is made with honey, sugar, flour and spices. Furthermore, Machico's Holy Week, a week-long religious celebration, is strongly marked by processions, concerts and other religious and cultural activities.

See here what to do and see in Madeira.

Easter in Portugal is thus celebrated with various religious and cultural traditions that are simply unique throughout the country. Each region, therefore, has its traditions, which reflect the local history and culture.

Easter is a very important time in Portugal since it provides a moment of renewal and celebration of the Christian faith. Indeed, it is a very strong context for families and friends to get together to share food, music and traditions.

Although the celebration of Easter in Portugal may vary from region to region, one thing is certain: Easter is a time of togetherness and love, which celebrates the renewal of life and hope.

If you want to know more about other celebrations, see how Christmas and Carnival are celebrated in Portugal.