In this post, we will explore in detail two must-visit destinations for those who want to celebrate Carnival in Portugal in the most exciting way, whether with family or friends.
01 | Funchal
Carnival festivities in Madeira take place from February 7th to 18th, 2024. From the famous Cortejo Alegórico to the satirical Cortejo Trapalhão, including celebrations throughout the island, Carnival brings a unique liveliness to the entire archipelago.
The Saturday parade night is the highlight of the festivities, with over 1200 performers parading along Avenida do Mar, transformed into a spectacular sambadrome, under the enchanted eyes of thousands of spectators, in the heart of Funchal city. The Tuesday parade, held in the afternoon, has a more satirical character and is open to spontaneous participation.
Both parades have a defined route through the city center, culminating in Praça Municipal, where the fun continues with live music and contests for extravagant costumes.
02 | Loulé
In Loulé, the country’s oldest and most famous Carnival Corso takes place. For three days, the city transforms into a true spectacle of color and festivity, with stunning floats and thousands of people dressed in various costumes. The local community and associations play a fundamental role in creating these floats, ranging from open-box faces to trailers pulled by tractors. Here, everything is allowed as long as fun is guaranteed.
In addition to the vibrant samba school dances, iconic oversized heads, and contagious music of this Carnival parade, there is a unique feature that defines Carnival in Loulé: satire of society, with a special emphasis on politics. On this day, the locals take the opportunity to express everything they consider to be wrong in Portugal, Europe, and sometimes even other parts of the world through their floats.
It’s worth mentioning that LovelyStay offers apartments in Funchal and Loulé, and we would be delighted to welcome Carnival enthusiasts to our cozy accommodations, making their Carnival experience even more memorable.
Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the contagious energy of Carnival in Portugal, a unique experience you won’t find in any other city. LovelyStay wishes you an unforgettable Carnival and looks forward to your visit.
