Timeline

See the year in time order

Start from today, see what has already passed, and scroll forward through the rest of the year.

Today in Portugal9 May 2026The timeline is oriented around the current month so upcoming plans are easier to spot.

Current moment

May

This is where the year stands right now, with past months softened above and the rest of the year still ahead.

Spring7 things active nowPast, current, and upcoming clearly separated

Always worth knowing

Year-round local anchors

Tapada Nacional de Mafra runs nature and heritage activities through the year, including walks, wildlife experiences, and family outings.

MafraAround Mafra

A year-round market anchor for fresh fish, shellfish, local produce, and periodic showcooking or tasting activity in Ericeira.

EriceiraAround Mafra

Falcoaria — falconry as the historic royal hunting tradition — is kept alive at Tapada through recurring courses and 'Birds for Princes' demonstrations.

Tapada Nacional de MafraAround Mafra

Winter

January

Passed
Continuing
Sea and fishing cultureVariable winter and early-spring closurePortuguese coast (regional context)About 30-60 min away

Winter

February

Passed
Starts here

A Mafra food event linked to Tapada Nacional de Mafra, usually focused on game dishes and regional cooking.

SeafoodFebruaryMafraAround MafraWorth planning around
Find out more
Continuing
Sea and fishing cultureVariable winter and early-spring closurePortuguese coast (regional context)About 30-60 min away

Spring

March

Passed
Starts here

A qualifying competition in Ericeira that helps decide who reaches the top division of Portuguese surf.

SurfMarchRibeira d'Ilhas, EriceiraAround MafraGood option
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Spring

April

Passed

Nothing prominent is tracked for this month yet.

Spring

May

Now
Relevant now

One of the biggest recurring surf competitions in Ericeira, bringing the top division of Portuguese surfing to Ribeira d'Ilhas.

SurfMayRibeira d'Ilhas, EriceiraAround MafraWorth planning around
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Summer

June

Coming up
Starts here

A surf-and-community competition in Ericeira that mixes beach culture, local businesses, friendly rivalry, and a festive atmosphere.

SurfJuneEriceiraAround MafraGood option
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Starts here

The annual octopus defeso on Portugal's western and northern coast — the rule applies to recreational fishing as well, not just the professional fleet.

Sea and fishing cultureRoughly mid-July to mid-AugustWest coast (regional context)About 30-60 min awayGood option
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Summer

July

Coming up
Starts here

A large medieval festival in Óbidos with costumes, markets, performances, and food inside the old town walls.

TraditionJulyÓbidosAbout 1-2 hrs awayWorth planning around
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Starts here

Ericeira's annual surf film festival, combining surf cinema, art, community, and a broader cultural take on life by the ocean.

SurfJulyEriceiraAround MafraWorth planning around
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Summer

August

Coming up
Starts here

Ericeira's traditional sea-blessing and maritime festival, tied to the fishing community and usually held on the third weekend of August.

TraditionAugustEriceiraAround MafraWorth planning around
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Autumn

September

Coming up
Starts here

A traditional fair in the Sintra area, usually mixing rides, food stalls, local culture, and a festive late-summer or autumn feel.

TraditionSeptember / OctoberSintraAbout 30-60 min awayGood option
Find out more
Starts here

The deer rut is one of the best-known autumn wildlife experiences in Mafra, often visited for the sounds and atmosphere of the season.

Nature and wildlifeSeptember to OctoberTapada Nacional de MafraAround MafraWorth planning around
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Starts here

Useful background information for understanding local hunting season timing, rather than something most users would attend as an event.

Nature and wildlifeVariable regulated seasonRegional contextAbout 30-60 min awayBackground
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Autumn

October

Coming up
Starts here

The main time of year to watch for mushroom walks, foraging conditions, and damp forest days in the wider area.

Nature and wildlifeOctober to DecemberMafra / Sintra areaAround MafraGood option
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Starts here

The stronger swell months in Ericeira, when surf culture is at its liveliest and many competitions, club events, and standout freesurf days tend to cluster.

SurfOctober to MarchEriceiraAround MafraCheck dates
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Current window

A traditional fair in the Sintra area, usually mixing rides, food stalls, local culture, and a festive late-summer or autumn feel.

TraditionSeptember / OctoberSintraAbout 30-60 min awayGood option
Find out more

Autumn

November

Coming up

Winter

December

Coming up
Starts here

Christmas programming in Mafra and Ericeira, typically including lights, family activities, and festive town-centre events.

Winter seasonDecemberMafra / EriceiraAround MafraWorth planning around
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Starts here

Background context on the annual sardine fishery closure — most relevant to commercial purse-seine, but useful when reading local seafood and market rhythms.

Sea and fishing cultureVariable winter and early-spring closurePortuguese coast (regional context)About 30-60 min awayBackground
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