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Trips and Adventures
How to celebrate Halloween in Portugal?
The spookiest night of the year is just around the corner. On the night of 31 October, Halloween will once again be celebrated from north to south of Portugal. Although it’s originally a North American tradition, Halloween has gained more and more fans in Portugal, and today there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
From themed parties and family-friendly programmes to mysterious places full of legends – there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for thrills or just a fun night with your friends. To help you start making plans, Xtracars brings you a few suggestions on how to celebrate Halloween in Portugal.
From themed parties and family-friendly programmes to mysterious places full of legends – there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for thrills or just a fun night with your friends. To help you start making plans, Xtracars brings you a few suggestions on how to celebrate Halloween in Portugal.
Mysterious places to visit on Halloween
If you’re looking for a truly spine-chilling Halloween, nothing beats exploring some of Portugal’s most enigmatic spots. Shadowy chapels, theatres filled with legends and villages steeped in myths are perfect backdrops for anyone seeking a hair-raising experience. Visiting these places is a real challenge for the bravest souls.
Capela dos Ossos, Évora
Part of the Church of São Francisco, Évora’s Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) is one of the city’s most famous monuments, and also one of the creepiest.
Right at the entrance you’re greeted by a chilling phrase: "We bones that are here, await yours.” Inside, the walls and pillars are covered with skulls and other human bones. Do you dare to step inside?
Teatro Lethes
In Faro, there’s a theatre said to be haunted not by one, but by two ghosts. According to legend, the remains of a Napoleonic soldier were once found here inside the building. And, in fact, this story doesn’t sound entirely implausible when you consider that French troops were stationed here during the Napoleonic occupation.
Another tale tells of a ballerina who took her own life in this theatre. Some say from sheer exhaustion, others speak of a tragic love affair. We may never know the truth, but what we know for a fact is that visitors claim her footsteps can still be heard echoing through the creaking floorboards.
Another tale tells of a ballerina who took her own life in this theatre. Some say from sheer exhaustion, others speak of a tragic love affair. We may never know the truth, but what we know for a fact is that visitors claim her footsteps can still be heard echoing through the creaking floorboards.
Halloween parties and celebrations
If you’d rather have a lively Halloween in Portugal, the country has celebrations to suit all tastes. From traditional festivities to modern events with music and entertainment, there are plenty of options for families and groups of friends alike.
Festa da Cabra e do Canhoto
In the village of Cidões, in Vinhais, the Festa da Cabra e do Canhoto is held every 31 October – a night full of rituals to bring good luck. The celebration begins with the sunset and moonrise ceremony, followed by the lighting of a massive fire where the canhoto – a large tree trunk symbolising the devil – is set ablaze.
As the flames rise, locals say the bad luck, evil eye and all misfortunes are burned away too. Around the fire, cauldrons simmer with goat meat, which is later served to visitors. To liven up the night, there are fire-breathers, dancers and, to close the festivities, a rousing performance by drummers.
Candlelight Halloween
On the night of 31 October, the Royal Treasure Museum, in Lisbon hosts a special Halloween edition of the Candlelight concert, the perfect programme for families. This candlelit performance features a string quartet playing Halloween classics, with music from Stranger Things, Beetlejuice and even Michael Jackson’s Thriller. A truly spine-tingling concert.
Halloween on the Douro River
If you’re planning to celebrate Halloween with friends, we’ve got the perfect idea: a party on board a boat cruising the Douro River. In Porto, Halloween is celebrated in style, with live DJs, great music and plenty of fun, all while sailing along one of the most stunning backdrops in Portugal.
Celebrate Halloween your own way with Xtracars
With so many different activities to choose from, the hardest part this Halloween might just be deciding what to do. Our tip? Try a bit of everything. With Xtracars you have the freedom to explore Portugal at your own pace – whether that means mysterious spots, lively parties or simply a different (and spooky) night out with friends. And remember getting lost on Halloween night can be truly terrifying. So, when booking your car, don’t forget to add GPS. Have a good Halloween!