Does Portugal celebrate Halloween?
Yes. Halloween in Portugal is celebrated on the 31st October.
It's not your typical Halloween experience, but it does offer a nice mix of our modern take on Halloween with typical Portuguese customs.
It's better known as Dia das Bruxas (Witches' Day, translating it literally) in Portugal, and you can enjoy the parties and dress-up on 31st October, and then experience All Saints’ Day on 1 November and understand the importance of the season on a local level.
How Halloween Looks in Portugal
In Portugal, Halloween is a more of a recent phenomenon, and even though it's celebrated, it's not widely spread.
While you'll find definitely many references throughout your day trips through major cities like Lisbon and Porto, the countryside doesn't nearly celebrate it as much.
To celebrate the spooky season, some schools might incentivize students to do arts and crafts with pumpkins and other Halloween-related ornaments, as well as allow dress-up for the day.
Shops sell dedicated merchandising and sweets. Bars and clubs hold themed nights.
You'll see some horror-inspired costumes; e.g. think vampires, witches, Frankenstein's monster, zombies and other creatures.
However, that's not all. Halloween is seen as the year's second opportunity to dress-up, after the Portuguese Carnaval, with many people taking the opportunity to dress up as characters from tv shows and movies.
You'll also see some decorations, and some trick-or-treating (called doçura ou travessura) in expat areas and newer neighbourhoods.
Apartment buildings with families and international communities tend to be more receptive, but don't expect everyone to have candy.
However, the celebration is lighter than what English-speaking countries natives may be used to - don't expect to see decorated houses, though.
As for general decoration, shops will have pumpkins and Halloween-themed shopfronts in the weeks leading up to 31 October.
It sits alongside long-standing religious observances on 1 November (All Saints’ Day) and 2 November (All Souls’ Day).
All Saints’ Day in Portugal (November 1st)
Instead of Halloween, the more interior regions of the country tend celebrate All Saints’ Days, which is a public holiday in Portugal.
Families may attend Mass, visit cemeteries (sometimes even clean them!), and spend the day together.
A traditional custom called Pão por Deus (Bread for God) takes place in the morning in many towns and villages.
Children go door-to-door saying “Pão por Deus” and receive small treats such as broas (spiced biscuits), fruit, nuts, or sweets.
Think of it as a local, daytime cousin to trick-or-treating, with roots that predate modern Halloween.
All Souls’ Day in Portugal (November 2nd)
While not a public holiday, All Souls’ Day is observed quietly.
Many people light candles and say prayers for loved ones.
Bakeries continue to sell Broas dos Santos and other seasonal sweets.
If you're travelling, expect a calmer tone than Halloween night, with most activity centred on churches and families.
Is it the same as the Day of the Dead in Portugal?
All Souls' Day, or Dia dos Fiéis Defuntos in Portugal, is not the same as what you might be used to when you think of the Day of the Dead.
In Portugal, remembrance focuses on All Saints’ and All Souls’ without the Mexican-influenced iconography.
You may sees some expats use “Day of the Dead in Portugal", but All Souls' Day is definitely a more religious observance than anything else, not typically publicly celebrated.
Instead, it's more of an intimate experience, with dedicated church services.
FAQs about Halloween in Portugal
Is Halloween a big deal in Portugal?
It's growing, but it's not a widespread holiday. It's more so celebrated in cities, pushed by children who want to go trick-or-treating from being influenced by what they see on television.
Do children trick-or-treat?
Sometimes. You'll find some children trick-or-treat in family heavy areas, especially in more urban settings.
In the countryside, it's more common for trick-or-treat to occur on the November 1st morning, where children go out with their parents to ask for Pão por Deus in towns that keep the custom.
Is 1 November a holiday?
Yes. All Saints’ Day is a public holiday. If you've got errands to take care of, best to plan them for another day.
What sweets are traditional?
Broas dos Santos (spiced biscuits), nuts, and fruit are typical for Pão por Deus.
Supermarkets stock Halloween candy throughout October.
Is there a Day of the Dead parade?
No. Portugal's version of the “day of the dead” is a quiet, religiously-focused event.
Where are the best Halloween events?
Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve will have more dedicated events, like parties and activities.
What should visitors expect on 1–2 November?
Calmer streets, church activity, and family time. Some museums and attractions remain open with holiday hours.
