From the People to the Stage: The Irreverent History of Carnival in Portugal!

The traditional Caretos of Podence.

Carnival in Portugal is a party that has a history full of colour, music and a lot of irreverence! If you haven't had the chance to experience this tradition yet, it's time to discover how the streets of Portugal turn into a stage of joy and fantasy every year. Let's tell you all about this celebration that mixes the old and the modern, the popular and the political, and that, of course, is pure fun!

Origins: A Party that Comes from Far Away

Did you know that Carnival has very old roots? It began with pagan festivals in Europe, where the people gathered to celebrate the arrival of spring. Already in the Middle Ages, these parties were gaining a more Christian format, with the "period of revelry" that precedes Lent. It was like a last cry of freedom before the days of penance. In fact, as the Portuguese historian José Mattoso said, Carnival "was a party of transgression", where social conventions were broken, and everyone could disguise themselves and live without rules. Deep down, it was the chance to free yourself!

Carnival Over Time: From Freedom to Censorship

Portugal has a unique history with Carnival, because the parties had ups and downs over time. At the beginning of the 20th century, Carnival was a true explosion of colours and joy, with great parades and masked balls in big cities such as Lisbon and Porto. Folklore and popular dances were the protagonists, and Carnival was synonymous with total fun!

But, as sociologist Manuel de Lucena says, "Carnival has always been more than a party: it is a reflection of society, of its joys and frustrations". And, with the arrival of the Estado Novo dictatorship, things changed. During the Salazar regime, Carnival was heavily censored and its expressions of social criticism were suppressed. The party, which was once synonymous with freedom, became more controlled, but this did not prevent the flame of Carnival from remaining alive. As historian Rui Tavares commented, "Carnival resisted authoritarianism, showing that joy can never be contained."

Carnival in Portugal in the Regions: A Diversity Festival

Traditional Lazarim Carnival Mask

And, of course, Carnival parties in Portugal are not all the same. Each region has its own unique way of celebrating. In Loulé, in the Algarve, Carnival is famous for its allegorical floats and political satires that make everyone laugh. In Porto and Lisbon, masked balls and big parties spread through the theatres and streets, with an atmosphere of mystery and fun.

In Ovar, irreverence is the key word! There, the revellers take to the streets with bold and creative costumes, and the atmosphere is always pure party. The Ovar Carnival, as highlighted by anthropologist José Alberto Ribeiro, "is a spectacle of joy where the costume becomes an act of resistance against the adversities of life". And, if you want a more exotic experience, the Madeira Carnival is a real delirium! With African influences and an explosion of colours and rhythms, the island turns into a magical setting.

After the Revolution: The Carnival Renaissance

After the Carnations Revolution in 1974, the Carnival in Portugal was reborn. The festivities, which were repressed during the regime, returned with everything, bringing a new spirit of freedom and irreverence. Now, Carnival has also become a moment of political and social criticism. As sociologist Rui Tavares said, "Carnival is a mirror of society. And after the Revolution, he returned with a more political, more ironic, more rebellious purpose."

Now, the Carnival in Portugal is a great street show! The cities are filled with parades, performances and shows. Political satire continues to be a recurring theme, and, of course, the party does not lose its side of freedom and fun. The rhythm of the marches, the dance in the streets and the songs infect everyone who participates in this great party.

Carnival Today: From Tradition to Innovation

If you think the Carnival of Portugal is just nostalgia, you can prepare for a surprise! Today's Carnival mixes the best of traditions with touches of modernity. Technology has joined the revelry, with parades broadcast live to the whole world and a mixture of sounds and styles that reflect the present. And, of course, the revellers continue to unleash their imagination, with costumes that are pure art, and with songs that leave no one standing still.

As historian José Mattoso said, "Carnival is a way of saying that, despite everything, life is to be lived with joy". And that's exactly what you'll feel when you attend this party. No matter where you are in Portugal, Carnival will always have something unique to offer, whether in a street parade or a masked ball, always with a lot of emotion and fun.

Conclusion: The Party Never Ends!

So, are you convinced to put on a costume and play at the Carnival of Portugal? If you've ever been, you know what we're talking about. If not yet, don't miss the chance to live this experience! Carnival in Portugal is a party of tradition, but also of innovation, where each street, each city, and each reveller is part of a great show. As sociologist Manuel de Lucena said, "Carnival is the maximum manifestation of popular freedom, and in Portugal, it is lived with a unique energy." So, get ready, because the party is about to start!