Loulé Carnival is one of Portugal’s liveliest and most colorful celebrations of the year, it’s the Algarve’s original carnival festival. It’s believed to have been held annually since as early as 1906 making it one of the oldest carnivals in the whole of Portugal too.
For three days each year, the center of Loulé is closed off and a parade of floats, dancers, and entertainers bring joy to large crowds. It is held annually over the three days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. This event is a must-see for anyone visiting the Algarve in late February or early March.
For 2025, Carnaval de Loulé will be held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of March.
Usually the parade starts at around 3pm and last until around 6pm.
What to Expect
Carnival’s and street parties bring obvious comparisons to Brazil’s world famous carnival. However, Loulé Carnival is much much more family friendly and much less rowdy in atmosphere. The parade lasts for a few hours each day, although people will be socialising on the closed off streets long into the evening.
Each year has a different theme, and although many of the floats will follow this, there’s a strong tradition of political satire. You can always expect a few floats poking fun at politicians or celebrities. Many people in the crowds will dress up too!
What to Eat and Drink During the Carnival?
You’ll find various food and drink stands, and one of my favourite vendors is Loulé Doce a bakery that make the amazing Folhado de Loulé. It’s a flaky puff pastry with a custard cream filling. You’ll find other vendors selling Pão com Chouriço and typical festival treats like Farturas.
Where is Loulé Carnival Held?
The carnival is held on Avenida José da Costa Mealha, a central street in Loulé that is closed off to traffic.
How to Get to Loulé
Loulé is just 20 minutes from Faro by car, and there are regular buses from major Algarve towns like Albufeira and Lagos. Loulé has a train station too, so it can be accessed by almost the entire Algarve – although one thing to remember is that the train station is actually 6km outside of the town. You’ll need to use local transport if you plan on using the train.
Top Tips for Enjoying the Carnival
- Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot along the main parade route.
- Bring some cash for street food, drinks, and the small entrance fee.
- Dress festively and join in the fun
- Try some local delicacies like Folhado de Loulé and Pão com Chouriço
Official Information
The latest updates can be found on the official Facebook page.
