Summary:
Carnival kicks off on February 28 with multiple parades across Lisbon.
Arroios Parade starts at 9 AM, welcoming all ages.
Chapitô Parade features circus performances and takes place at 2:30 PM.
Cuiqueiros de Lisboa pays homage to Fado and starts at 6 PM.
Expect over 20,000 participants at the Colombina Clandestina on March 1.
As the drumming echoes around the corner, Carnival is set to kick off this Friday, February 28. Lisbon will be alive with festivities for four days, offering something for everyone, from family-friendly events to Brazilian rhythms. Here’s your guide to the free parades happening in the city:
Carnival Parade of Arroios
The celebrations begin on Friday, February 28, with a parade for all ages. The Arroios parade, not held since 2020, will gather preschool and primary school children alongside the senior community. It starts at 9 AM from three locations: Jardim Constantino, Praça das Novas Nações, and Campo Mártires da Pátria, concluding at 1 PM in Largo do Intendente.
Intergenerational Carnival of Penha de França
Similar in spirit, the parade organized by the Penha de França Parish Council will also unite local school students and seniors. Concentration is at 9:30 AM on February 28 at Praça Paiva Couceiro, with the parade commencing at 10 AM down Rua Morais Soares.
Chapitô Parade
Also on February 28, the Chapitô parade begins at 2:30 PM, passing through Largo dos Loios and ending at Largo das Portas do Sol. The event will feature performances by students from the Chapitô Circus School and entertainment from the Farra Fanfarra band.
Cuiqueiros de Lisboa
Scheduled for February 28, this parade’s samba theme pays homage to Fado, titled “From the Soul of Fado to the Heart of Samba.” Concentration is at 6 PM in front of Castelo de São Jorge. On March 2, they will host Carnaval Kids at 3 PM and a Carnival Ball at 9:30 PM at Titanic Sur Mer.
Bloco Colombina Clandestina
Established in 2017, this group claims to organize Lisbon's largest street carnival. Expect over 20,000 participants on Saturday, March 1, starting at 2 PM from Museu do Fado with the theme “Rebela e Rebola.” The parade will conclude at Campo das Cebolas by 10 PM, followed by a dance party until 6 AM.
Bloco da Palhinha Maluca
On March 1, this new bloco will gather at 2 PM at Praça António Sardinha. The parade will head to Miradouro do Monte Agudo, featuring musicians playing a traditional northeastern Brazilian flute.
Bloco Oxalá
Also on March 1, before the parade begins at 6 PM from Largo do Calvário, enjoy a carnival party at the Alcântara Library starting at 4 PM with various activities.
Bloco Qui Nem Jiló
On Sunday, March 2, the Qui Nem Jiló forró bloco will gather at 3 PM at the Penha de França church, proceeding to Praça Paiva Couceiro until 9 PM.
Baque Mulher and Baque do Tejo
On Sunday, March 2, the Baque Mulher group will parade in Alfama, starting at 3 PM from Miradouro Portas do Sol. Following that, at 5 PM, the Baque do Tejo will commence from Largo do Chafariz de Dentro.
Carnival Between Doors
On Tuesday, March 4, the Benfica Parish Council will host two blocs starting at 2 PM from Parque da Granja, featuring Bué Tolo and Axé Babá, celebrating the rhythms of Bahia until 5:30 PM.
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