Easter/Holy Week in Portugal
 

We are looking at a cruise trip that leaves Lisbon on Holy Saturday. We would like to spend a few days in Lisbon/Sintra before the departure and are wondering what we should expect. Good Friday is a holiday--does that means processions and passions reenactments or does it mean absolutely everything is closed up. How about earlier in the week? We will stop in Portimao (in the Algarve) on Easter Sunday. Will this fishing beach town have anything going on on that day??

The timing is otherwise good for us--and the prices are in fact discounted for this itinerary--either because it is early in the season or because of Easter (which is incredibly late in 2011) I cannot tell.

Thanks for any info you can share.

Vancojo, I do not know what the traditions are in Portugal. But I did have the good fortune to spend Holy Week (Semana Santo) in Spain about 10 years ago. The processions through the streets, the men carrying to statues laden with flowers and candles, the family reunions, the devotion of the Spaniards remains one of my most treasured travel experiences. I would think that the celebration in Portugal would be similar. Anxious to hear what others who have actually experienced Holy Week in Portugal have to say....

ttt

Well, here in Portugal there is also that tradition of processions through streets and stuff, but more on small vilages. In Lisbon there is in fact a procession that usually passes by the historic parts, like Alfama, Mouraria, Castelo... but nothing very big. usually in Friday and Easter Sunday everything is closed, except big shopping malls and restaurants off course.

Djjojo, thank you for that information - sure it is a lovely time in Portugal, usually great weather and all....