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Lisbon Summer Carnival 2025: Festival of the Iberian Mask in September
- Pedro Ferreira
- Jul 1, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
Get ready to don a mask and dive into the vibrant Lisbon Summer Carnival 2025, where the Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025 (September 18–21) transforms Lisbon’s Pombaline Downtown into a kaleidoscope of color, music, and ancestral traditions. Held in the historic streets from Praça do Município to Terreiro do Paço, this four-day extravaganza celebrates the shared heritage of Portugal and Spain through the Great Iberian Mask Parade, featuring over 500 costumed participants, rhythmic Pauliteiros dancers, and Asturian bagpipes. Known as a “summer carnival,” it blends pagan mask rituals with lively concerts, artisanal markets, and workshops, all under balmy 20–26°C September skies. Whether you’re savoring local cheeses at food stalls, dancing to the “Tradição Contemporânea” quartet, or exploring Alfama’s cobblestone alleys, this guide to Lisbon festivals September 2025 covers dates, hours, activities, transport, dining, accommodations, and insider tips for an unforgettable cultural adventure in Portugal’s capital. Pack your festive spirit and join the masked revelry
Why the Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025 Is a Must-Visit
The Lisbon Summer Carnival 2025, officially the Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025 (FIMI), is a cultural gem that brings the ancestral traditions of the Iberian Peninsula to life. Held September 18–21 in Lisbon’s Baixa district, this vibrant festival showcases elaborate masks and costumes from Portugal, Spain, and beyond, including Venetian masks from Italy and performances from Colombia’s Folclor Colombia. Expect a dazzling parade, free concerts, and workshops that draw 20,000+ visitors, from families to culture enthusiasts. Unlike Rio-style carnivals, FIMI’s pagan roots celebrate fertility, satire, and community through “caretos” and “mascarados,” blending sacred and profane. With mild 20–26°C weather, free entry to most events, and proximity to Lisbon’s UNESCO-listed sites, it’s a perfect blend of heritage and festivity. Book hotels by July for Lisbon events September 2025 to secure spots near the parade route
Getting Around Lisbon
Public Transport: Metro (red line to Oriente, €1.50) and Tram 15 to Belém are cheap. Lisboa Card (€22/day) covers unlimited rides and discounts—perfect for school budgets.
Taxis/Rideshares: Uber or Bolt (€5-€15) for 4-6; shuttles for 10+ (€20-€30).
Walking: Alfama and Baixa are pedestrian-friendly—bring comfy shoes for hills!
Key Dates, Hours, and Activities for Lisbon Summer Carnival 2025
The Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025 runs from September 18–21, 2025, in Lisbon’s Pombaline Downtown, with the Great Iberian Mask Parade as its highlight. Below are confirmed dates, hours, and activities based on www.lisbonexplorers.com. Confirm specifics closer to September via www.visitlisboa.com.
Festival Schedule
Date | Hours | Location | Activities | Cost |
Sept 18 | Noon–10:00 PM | Praça do Município, Baixa | Opening ceremony, artisanal markets, food stalls (wine, cheese), children’s mask workshops | Free |
Sept 19 | Noon–11:00 PM | Terreiro do Paço, Baixa | Traditional dance shows (Pauliteiros), photo contests, cultural seminars at Lusófona University | Free |
Sept 20 | Noon–11:00 PM | Terreiro do Paço, Baixa | Concerts (“Tradição Contemporânea” quartet), handicraft stalls, mask-making workshops | Free |
Sept 21 | 4:30 PM–7:00 PM | Praça do Município to Terreiro do Paço | Great Iberian Mask Parade, Asturian bagpipes, Venetian mask showcase, closing performances | Free |
Note: The parade follows Rua do Comércio, Rua do Ouro, Rua da Vitória, and Rua da Prata to Terreiro do Paço. Additional groups from Málaga (Spain) and Colombia join in 2025. Events are free unless noted; workshops may require registration at www.visitlisboa.com.
What to Do at the Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025
Great Iberian Mask Parade (Sept 21, 4:30 PM–7:00 PM): Over 500 participants from Portugal (Trás-os-Montes, Sertã), Spain (Asturias, Málaga), and Italy parade with vibrant masks, from red devil faces to pom-pom-laden costumes. Expect Pauliteiros stick dances and Asturian bagpipes along Rua do Ouro to Terreiro do Paço. Free; arrive by 3:30 PM for spots. All ages.
Artisanal Markets (Sept 18–20, Noon–10:00 PM): Browse stalls at Praça do Município for handmade masks (€10–€20), ceramics, and local delicacies like cheese (€5) and chocolate (€3). Cash preferred; some vendors accept cards.
Traditional Concerts (Sept 20, 8:00 PM–11:00 PM): Enjoy the “Tradição Contemporânea” quartet at Terreiro do Paço, honoring Portuguese legends like José Afonso. Free; family-friendly. Arrive by 7:00 PM for seating.
Cultural Seminars (Sept 19, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM): Attend talks at Lusófona University on mask symbolism, led by experts like Paulo Mendes Pinto. Free; register via www.visitlisboa.com. Ideal for culture buffs, 16+.
Children’s Mask Workshops (Sept 18–20, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM): Kids craft paper masks and join mini-parades at Praça do Município. Free; ages 4–12, parental supervision required.
Photo Contest (Sept 18–20): Capture the festival’s vibrant masks for a chance to win prizes. Submit entries at Terreiro do Paço stalls; free to enter.
Tip: Combine festival visits with daytime exploration of Belém Tower (€8, 3 km) or Alfama’s fado houses (€20–€40, 1 km). Arrive early for parade spots and workshop sign-ups.
Table of Top Lisbon Activities
Activity | Location | Best For | Cost (pp) | Duration |
Parque das Nações | Science/Families | €19 | 2 hrs | |
History/Sightseeing | €3 | 1-2 hrs | ||
Belém | €10-€16 | 3-4 hrs | ||
Relaxation | €25+ | 2 hrs | ||
€50+ | 3-4 hrs | |||
History/Nature | €70+ | 8-9 hrs | ||
Alcântara | Art/Casual Fun | Free | 2-3 hrs | |
PE/Adventure | €50-€100 | 3-4 hrs |
Other Lisbon Events in September 2025
Sumol Summer Fest (Sept 5–6, Ericeira, 40 km): A surf-and-music festival with reggae and hip-hop acts. Tickets €30–€60; Bolt from Lisbon (€30, 45 min).
Lisbon Marathon (Sept 28, starts in Cascais): Run a 42-km waterfront route or shorter Vodafone 10K. Entry €20–€50; book via www.lisbonmarathon.pt.
Festas na Rua (Throughout September): Street performances across Baixa, including FIMI, with music and art. Free; check www.lisbonexplorers.com.
Dining Near Lisbon Summer Carnival 2025
Savor Lisbon’s cuisine at upscale restaurants or festival stalls near Baixa during Lisbon festivals September 2025. Reserve for September 21.
Baixa: Taberna Moderna (Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 18, 500 m from Terreiro do Paço, €20–€40). Bacalhau (€15), octopus salad (€12). “Vibrant vibe!” (4.8/5). Book 2 weeks ahead.
Chiado: By the Wine (Rua das Flores 41, 800 m from Praça do Município, €25–€50). Petiscos (€10), wine pairings (€15). “Cozy gem!” (4.7/5). Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead.
Alfama: Casa dos Sabores (Rua do Terreiro do Trigo 12, 1 km from parade, €20–€35). Sardines (€8), fado nights (€10 extra). “Authentic!” (4.9/5). Book early.
Festival Stalls (Praça do Município, Terreiro do Paço): Cheese (€5), wine (€3), pastéis de nata (€2). Cash-only; limited vegan options.
Tip: Dine at stalls for budget bites (€5–€10); bring cash for speed. Pair with post-parade fado at Casa dos Sabores (Sept 21, 8:00 PM).
Accommodations Near Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025
Stay near Baixa in 4- or 5-star hotels or budget hostels. Prices are 2025 estimates for September 18–21; book by July.
Hotels | Average Price (€/night) | Room Types | Special Features | Proximity to Attractions |
500–3,000 | Classic, superior, junior suites, presidential | Spa, fine dining, rooftop bar | Steps from Avenida da Liberdade | |
250–1,000 | Classic, superior, junior, royal suites | Spa, heated pool, rooftop restaurant | Near Praça do Comércio, Tagus River | |
150–400 | Standard, superior, suites | Spa, rooftop bar, fitness center | On Avenida da Liberdade, near Chiado | |
150–350 | Double, suite rooms | Spa, rooftop terrace, art gallery | Steps from Bairro Alto, Chiado | |
150–400 | Standard, superior, suites | Rooftop bar, spa, art installations | In Chiado, near Tagus River |
Tip: Book Baixa accommodations for parade access. Hostels like Home Lisbon suit budget travelers. Rates drop 10% post-September 21. Check for festival packages.
Insider Tips for Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025
Reservations: No tickets needed for FIMI; all events are free. Register for workshops and seminars via www.visitlisboa.com by early September. Book hotels by July and restaurants 1–2 weeks ahead for September 21.
Cultural Traditions: Wear a colorful mask (€5–€10 at stalls) to join the parade spirit. Try local wines (€3) with cheeses for a taste of Iberia. Learn “careto” mask history at seminars for deeper appreciation.
Packing: Wear comfy shoes for Baixa’s cobblestones and parade routes. Pack light layers for 20–26°C days and cooler nights (15–20°C). Bring a reusable water bottle for festival stalls.
Budget: Festival food (€2–€5) and drinks (€3) are cash-only. Budget €10–€20 for souvenirs (masks, crafts). Lisboa Card saves on transport and attractions.
Arrival: Reach Praça do Município by 3:30 PM for parade spots (Sept 21). Arrive at Terreiro do Paço by 11:00 AM for markets and workshops. Watch for pickpockets in crowds.
Combine with Attractions: Visit Jerónimos Monastery (€10, 3 km) or LX Factory (€0, 4 km) during the day. Explore Alfama’s fado houses post-festival (€20–€40).
Sustainability: Use metro, trams, or bikes to reduce emissions. Bring reusable cups for drinks at stalls. Support eco-friendly vendors with recycled crafts.
Conclusion
The Lisbon Summer Carnival 2025, with the Festival of the Iberian Mask 2025 (September 18–21), ignites Lisbon’s Baixa district with a vibrant celebration of Iberian heritage, from the Great Iberian Mask Parade’s colorful “caretos” to free concerts and artisanal markets. Dance to Pauliteiros rhythms, craft masks with kids, or savor local wines under 20–26°C September skies during Lisbon festivals September 2025. Stay at Hotel Santa Justa, dine on bacalhau at Taberna Moderna, and navigate with Lisboa Cards for a seamless adventure. Combine with Belém’s UNESCO sites or Alfama’s fado nights for a full cultural plunge. Book hotels by July, arrive early for parade spots, and embrace the masked magic of Lisbon events September 2025 for an unforgettable summer carnival in Portugal’s vibrant capital
*Explore the variety of Yellow bus tickets. Sight-Seeing Buses.
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