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Saint Anthony's Thrones are a tradition dating back to the 18th century, recovered in 2015 by EGEAC (Lisbon's Cultural Department) and Saint Anthony's Museum. The thrones are exhibited during two days, in June, scattered all over the city, but some remain beyond those two days. The event is part of Lisbon's June Festivities. After the Great Earthquake of 1755, the thrones were a way of collecting money to rebuild Saint Anthony's church . They were made by the population, adults and children, and were usually put on the doorsteps. Although very popular, Saint Anthony's thrones slowly started disappearing, probably because their main purpose was accomplished, and as soon as the 19th century very few people kept the tradition. In order to maintain it, in the mid 20th century the municipality promoted contests, but those too eventually ended. In the beginning of the 21st century, very few thrones were to be seen in June. Back to Lisbon Map to the thr...

Lisbon Book Fair is a fair held annually, from the end of May to mid-June. The fair was inaugurated in 1930 and is one of the oldest cultural festivals in Lisbon. It has been held every year uninterruptedly, and, although the first venue was Largo do Rossio in Pombaline downtown, it's traditionally located in Eduardo VII Park , which has one of the best scenic views over Lisbon. At the fair, you can find books with great discounts, particularly the so-called "books of the day" and during the "H-hour", after 10 p.m. For non-Portuguese speakers, there are books in other languages, mainly English, French and Spanish, and educational toys. It is also possible to have a light meal, attend presentations and debates by national and international authors, and take part in activities. Free wifi access is available. In 2018 the fair takes place from May. 25 to Jun. 13. Opening hours: Mon. to Thu. 12.30 to 23.00; Fri. 12.30 to 00.00; Sat. 11.00 to 00.00; Sun. a...

The Flower Torch Festival takes place in Easter Sunday in the small Algarvian town of São Brás de Alportel. The townspeople carpet the streets with flowers and raise the flower torches in honour of the resurrection of Christ. This used to be a procession popular in the whole of Algarve. The members of brotherhoods had to carry a lighted torch or lantern but with the shortage of wax, the torch was replaced by a painted stick decorated with flowers.  Opening hours: Easter Sunday, from 9.30 am. Entrance free How to get there: There are no public transports to São Brás on Easter Sunday. You can only get there either by car or taxi.

Loule's Carnival dates back to 1906, in an effort to have a more civilised, peaceful celebration. It is now the oldest event of its kind in Portugal, with parades lasting for 3 days (the same every day).  Opening hours: 3 pm to 6 pm Entrance fee: 2€

Budapest's Christmas Markets take place between mid-November and the beginning of January. Here you can find unique Christmas decorations and gifts, taste traditional Hungarian Christmas dishes and delicacies or enjoy a folk dance show. (2017 edition: November 24th to 1st January) Back to Budapest