"It's Carnival! Everyone is welcome!" This phrase is often heard during this time of year in Portugal. While Portugal may not have the same level of carnival celebrations as Rio de Janeiro or Venice, it still has its own unique traditions and celebrations that are enjoyed by many.

Carnival is a time for fun and celebration, and while the scale of the celebrations may be different, the spirit of the holiday is still felt throughout the country. There are many regions in Portugal that hold famous carnival events, such as Torres Vedras, Loulé, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Ovar, and Cesimbra. These events bring people together to celebrate and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Although the scale of carnival in Portugal may be smaller than in some other countries, it is still an important part of the culture and tradition of the country. It is a time to come together and celebrate with friends and family, and to enjoy the festivities that Portugal has to offer.

The carnival has a long history in Portugal, dating back to the 13th century when King Afonso III signed a document that first mentioned the event. Originally known as Entrudo, meaning "entrance", the carnival was a celebration of religious events. People would participate in water fights and egg throwing, as well as motorcades, costume parades, and masked balls.

Today, the carnival continues to be an important part of Portuguese culture, although there have been significant changes. Instead of throwing water and eggs, participants now create allegorical motorcades and train in samba schools. They create masks, posters, music, and other artistic pieces that include political and social commentary. The motto "It's Carnival! No one is offended" still holds true.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of attending the carnival in Ovar, Portugal.

According to the official website of Carnaval de Ovar, known as the "Vitamin of Fun", the carnival was officially opened in 1952 with the first motorcade on Fat Sunday, February 24th. However, the origins of the event can be traced back to the 19th century when the first mentions appeared in a local newspaper in 1887 reporting on the celebrations.

Carnaval de Ovar today is known for its commitment to preserving its history and that of Portugal. The event is entirely organized by volunteers from the city, with ordinary citizens being chosen as King and Queen to mark the start of the creative, musical, and danceful processions filled with humor.

This year's event will take place from February 28th to March 5th and Ovar is located between Porto and Aveiro, easily accessible by train from Campanhã Station or by car along the A1 motorway connecting Porto and Lisbon.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.