The Rock in Rio festival originated in Rio de Janeiro, but over the years has landed itself in Lisbon. The festival brings dozens of international musicians and bangs to the city for two weekends of music and fun. For 2012 expect to see the likes of Metallica, Bruce Springsteen and Maroon 5.
Guincho Wave Contest
Estoril
June, 2012
This annual competition takes advantage of the sand and surf of Portugal's Guincho Beach as windsurfers from around the world perform their craft. While windsurfing is at its best amongst the waves, there is plenty of excitement for beach goers as well!
Sintra Festival of Music and Dance
Sintra
June 1 - July 31, 2012
This festival takes place in the cherished UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, amongst some of Portugal’s finest architectural gems. The main event features international stars of chamber music and ballet as well as some of Portugal's own musical and dance talents.
Medieval Market
Obidos Castle, Obidos
July, 2012
Retrace history at Obidos’s Medieval Market! This historical reconstruction of medieval life takes place within the Obidos Castle and incorporates traditional horse tournaments, medieval shows and artistic exhibitions.
Oceans Festival
Commerce Square, Lisbon
August, 2012
Lisbon’s Ocean Festival includes a variety of action packed activities for all to enjoy! Come participate in the summer favorites of water jumps, street animations, concerts and parades this August!
Palmela Wine Festival
Palmela
September, 2012
With a new year's crop of grapes ripe for wine, last year's supply must be consumed in order to make room for the new stock. Take advantage of the many varieties of locally produced wines while you explore the impressive artifacts of Arab occupation which date back to the 11th century.
DOCLISBOA
Lisbon
October 18 - October 28, 2012
DOCLISBOA is the only competitive documentary film festival in Portugal. DOCLISBOA brings together the best of local and international documentary films and filmmakers. The festival will also hold various workshops and presentations dedicated to the craft of documentary film-making.
Algarve International Film Festival
Portimão
November, 2012
Celebrated since 1972, the Festival Internacional de Cine do Algarve is one of the oldest film festivals in Portugal. The centerpiece of this event is short films, but prizes are also given out to the best Portuguese filmmaker as well as for the best environmental film. Film buffs will be treated to a variety of formats and will have the opportunity to see the features of this festival at a variety of locations throughout Portugal.
National Horse Fair
Golegã
November, 2012
Equestrians will love this fair, as its host to various events, including the Horse Driving Competition, the Endurance Ride Competition, and Show Jumping, as well as smaller events geared toward younger riders. The National Horse Show occurs alongside celebrations honoring Saint Martin and features a delicious local cuisine of barbecued chicken and roasted chestnuts, with a drink made from water and grape husks, known as foot-water.
Art Lisbon
Lisbon
November 21 - November 25, 2012
A renowned contemporary art show, Art Lisbon is a joining of over 60 galleries. Critics, admirers and artists alike view the new talent and old favorites.
Lisbon International Marathon
Lisbon
December 1 - December 31, 2012
Though Portugal is not universally accepted as a nation of runners, Lisbon's annual marathon attracts thousands of participants from around the countryside and abroad. The route offers several beautiful views of Lisbon as it wraps around the city in different directions and returns to the original starting point.
Festa das Chouriças - Sausage Festival
Algarve
January 1, 2013
This one day Sausage Festival in Algarve is an annual event on the first day of the year. It is in honor of St. Luis. The festival celebrates a promise between the local people and St. Louis. Traditionally the people of Algarve had one pig each which was to sustain them through the year. They asked St. Luis for protection of their animals and in turn they give an offering of homemade chorizo. There will be plenty of musical entertainment, a parade and homemade sausage.
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