Carnaval de Ovar

At carnival time, the streets of Ovar fill with masks, colour and music for one of the most authentic celebrations of its kind in Portugal. Groups of masked revellers, satirical floats and the ceremonial arrival of the carnival king give the town, near Aveiro, days of celebration that draw visitors from across the country.

History and traditions

The carnival of Ovar grew through the twentieth century into one of the great celebrations of the Portuguese carnival tradition, joining the masked groups of the town with parades and satire. Its figures and customs — the king, the groups and the corso through the streets — are kept by the community, and each edition renews them with the humour of the moment.

What to expect

• The parades and masked groups through the town.
• The ceremonial arrival of the carnival king.
• The satirical floats and the music of the corso.
• The atmosphere of a carnival made by the community.

Visiting

The carnival is celebrated each year at carnival time, in February or March, with dates that change every year. Confirm the programme of each edition with the municipality before your visit.

Nearby

Ovar is close to Aveiro and its canals, where the Confeitaria Peixinho keeps the tradition of ovos moles.

Information: cm-ovar.pt.

Image credit: Carnaval de Ovar, by JonJon86, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.