Alentejo Events

The Alentejo calendar runs on agricultural fairs, religious processions and one enormous country market.

Feira de Sao Joao — late June, Evora

The region’s biggest annual gathering, running for ten days on the edge of Evora and drawing several hundred thousand people. It began as a livestock and produce fair — and the agricultural pavilions, the horses and the cattle are still there — but it has grown into a full country fair with handicraft halls, regional food and wine stands from every municipality, a funfair, and concerts every night on several stages. Cante groups sing in the pavilions, the wine estates pour, and the whole Alentejo comes into town for it. It is a local occasion rather than a tourist one, which is exactly its appeal.

Festas do Povo — every four years, Campo Maior

The town’s residents spend months covering every street with millions of handmade paper flowers, floor to roof, and then celebrate for a week. Nobody knows in advance which year it will be held — the decision is made by the town.

Easter week — March or April

Processions in Evora, Vila Vicosa and the hill towns, and an important Holy Week tradition in Castelo de Vide.

Terras sem Sombra — winter and spring

A festival of sacred music staged in churches and convents across the Baixo Alentejo, pairing concerts with guided visits to heritage and nature sites in the same villages.

Vindima and Sao Martinho — September and November

Harvest events at the wine estates, and the November tapping of the talhas in the clay-wine villages.