What to know
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Shrove Tuesday | 9 February 2027 |
| Main parade | Batucada Radical, 2026 route: Rua do Heroísmo - Fontainhas, about 15:00-17:00 |
| 2027 programme | Not yet published (October 2026) |
| Price | Street parade, free to watch (in 2026) |
Is there a big carnival in Porto? No: it is a neighbourhood carnival, with parades and parties mostly in the surrounding region; if you want large floats, look elsewhere. Shrove Tuesday is not an official public holiday in Portugal; civil servants often get the day off by government decision, taken each year shortly before the date.
Where to watch the parade
Rua do Heroísmo is east of the centre, towards the Fontainhas district above the Douro. The route and time can change: confirm them on the city council or Batucada Radical pages before you go. Arrive early, the pavements fill up.
Where to stay
Stay near the Baixa so you can walk home: see where to stay in Porto. February is a quiet month: prices are low and the weather is cool and rainy, see Porto in February.
If the parade is cancelled
Have a plan B: a rainy day in Porto, a show at the Coliseu or a tasting in the Gaia cellars.
Practical tips
- Dress warmly: it is 6 to 13 °C in February.
- Check for postponements: in 2026 the date changed because of a storm.
- Evenings: see nightlife in Porto.
La rédaction Porto Authority, 26/10/2026.
