Easter in the Algarve: Coastline, Culture & Celebration

As spring blooms across southern Portugal, when Easter celebrations begin, the Algarve comes alive with colour, tradition, and culture. 

Easter Traditions
One of the Algarve's most iconic Easter experiences takes place in São Brás de Alportel, where the Festa das Tochas Floridas (Festival of Flower Torches) turns the town into a floral spectacle. On Easter Sunday, locals decorate the streets with elaborate carpets made of fresh flowers and festoon their balconies with vibrant arrangements. The highlight is the Resurrection Procession at 11am, when men carry ornate flower torches through the town, creating a heartfelt and colourful tribute to the season.

Another Easter tradition that happens in the Algarve on Easter Sunday is the Festa Pequena which happens in Loulé, followed by Festa Grande 15 days later. This is the biggest religious festivity in the south of Portugal and Festa Pequena welcomes thousands of people to take part in a parade to carry “Mãe Soberana” through the streets. This parade goes from the Nossa Senhora da Piedade chapel to the church of São Francisco. Then, Festa Grande consists of a huge procession carrying “Mãe Soberana” to the sanctuary located on a hill west of Loulé.

Across the region, Festas do Folar—the Easter Cake Festivals—are celebrated in several towns, particularly in São Marcos da Serra, Odeceixe and Barão de São João. These events are filled with live music, folk dancing, and the sharing of folar, a traditional sweet bread often including a hard-boiled egg inside. These gatherings are about more than just food—they’re lively celebrations of community, heritage, and Portuguese hospitality.

Other Activities 
There is also the Carvoeiro Easter Fair, which is taking place between the 18th-20th of April, at Largo da Praia do Carvoeiro.This seaside event blends local culture with family-friendly fun, offering gastronomic delights, regional crafts, traditional music, and Easter-themed activities for children. 

Balance Easter's sweet treats with some fitness fun at ATF (Algarve Tennis & Fitness) by taking a cardio tennis and padel class, or by joining the Albufeira Guided Walks - where every Thursday until June 2025, you can explore Albufeira’s old town with free guided walking tours.

Round off your Easter adventures at Albufeira Sea Fest from April 17th–19th. Enjoy surf, skateboarding, beach sports, and three days of live concerts. It is completely free to attend!