How is Halloween celebrated in Portugal?
While Halloween is often celebrated by children in schools in Portugal, it doesn’t take over the country’s culture as it does in the United States, for example. People don’t dress up for work or walk around dressed up as witches unless you’re a kid or heading to a party.
The tradition of trick-or-treating also isn’t as widespread on October 31st, although it may occur in smaller, expat-heavy communities but is less common in larger towns and villages.
On the flip side, many Christian Portuguese maintain a strong connection to the Day of the Dead, observed on November 1st to honor departed loved ones. On this occasion, a unique Portuguese tradition akin to trick-or-treating is known as “Bread for God” or “Pao-por-Deus.”
Children go door-to-door asking for these offerings and, in return, receive candy and bread. This custom, rooted in religious significance, isn’t embraced by all Portuguese, but it showcases a fascinating blend of traditions in the country.
5 Halloween Events in Lisbon
Let’s take a look at 5 Halloween events in Lisbon. Keep in mind that unless stated, many clubs will not want you to dress up for Halloween and might deny you entrance due to the dress code.
1. Bashment – Halloween Edition
A Halloween Bashment event is taking place at Village Underground on October 31st. Doors open at 23:30 and stay open until 6 a.m. You will get to dance the night away to some afrobeat and dance hall.
The event invites DJ Kybba, all the way from Italy, the founder of the Basshall movement, the urban music movement where Caribbean rhythms merge with electronic music. Then, to finish off the party and bring the best Afrobeats in town, you will have Don Andre and Miss DJ. We recommend purchasing a ticket beforehand.
2. Brunch Electronik Lisboa Halloween Special Party
Like always, Brunch Electronik is on our list of events in Lisbon. This time, with a Halloween Special on the 31st. This event is taking place at Pavilhāo Carlos Lopes, from 10 pm to 6 am so it is not your usual outdoor festival. You are encouraged to wear your best costume!
The DJs performing will be Indira Paganotto, an artist recognized for her “new school” techno, as well as the legendary double Pan-Pot that will bring “old school” techno to life. If you still don’t have your ticket, run don’t walk as these sell out quickly.
3. Therapy Sessions Halloween Lisboa 23
Lovers of Drum & Bass and Hard Drum, this spooky event is for you. Their motto for the night: “The are no ghosts, only Therapy!”. And the “therapists” include Gancher & Ruin, Hallucinator, Sinister Souls, C-Netik, Dunats, and SanP, bringing you music to enjoy until 6 am. This event takes place at LAV – Lisboa Ao Vivo, a large concert space in Chelas.
4. 5ALLOWEEN: Ze Salvador + Cruz + Justin Case
5A Club is hosting a Halloween night with free entry until 1 am, unlike most spaces that make the night of October 31st more expensive. Doors open at 23:30 and you can enjoy your night all the way until 6 am with good music and drinks. The artists for the night include Ze Salvador, Cruz (PT), and Justin Case.
5. Halloween Haunts: Lisbon Pub Crawl Experience
If you’re looking for a less intense experience for Halloween, rather than a club night, but still want to enjoy yourself, this pub crawl might be for you. With an English-speaking guide, you will set off from the Praça Luís de Camões on a pub crawl through Lisbon.
This Dress up for this Halloween-theme pub crawl where you will get to play drinking games and drink Zombie shots at bars. Moreover, the best costumes get a prize.
