Holiday Festivals and Events in Europe’s Iberian Peninsula

Welcome to the Holiday Season!

With the holidays vastly approaching, it’s that time of year to start thinking about traveling abroad, no?

Europe’s Iberian Peninsula is filled with everything you could possibly need…from vibrant festivities in Portugal  to holiday events Spain and they all take place from now through the beginning of the New Year. The mood is contagious and the decorations plentiful so pull out your passport and jet over to Spain and Portugal for fun-filled celebrations the entire family will enjoy.

 

October 16th – January 6, 2009
Rembrandt – Paint of Stories
The Prado National Museum – Madrid, SpainDecember 8, 2008
Feast of Immaculate Conception
Spain

Master painter, Rembrandt, will always be known as one of the greatest painters of Europe as well as storyteller who truly connects with human emotions

 

 

 December 7, 2008
The Lisbon Marathon
Praca do Comercio – Lisbon, Portugal

Each year thousands of runners, both professionals and amateurs, gather to race in one of the best marathons in the world.

 

This feast began in the seventh century and was originally named the Conception of Mary. Today locals and visitors of many Spanish speak countries celebrate this cultural even that marks the Christmas season.

 

 

  

 December 2008 – January 6, 2009
The Madeira Holiday Celebrations
Madeira, PortugalThe dazzling city of Funchal gets blanketed with colorful lights and bright nativity scenes for the wonderful time of year. The climate is warm and the mood is celebratory making Madeira an ideal vacation getaway to Portugal for the holidays.

 

 February 18 – March 01, 2009
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival
Tenerife, Spain

 

 Call it the Mardi Gras of the Iberian Peninsula! The island of Tenerife comes alive to celebrate this spectacular festival with carnival-goers and dynamic costumes abound. The festivities begin in the streets on the Friday before Carnival Tuesday. What a magical show…don’t miss it!

 

 

 February 21 – 25, 2009
Loule Carnival
Loule, Portugal

The Algarve has been celebrating this carnival for over 100 years and attracts visitors worldwide to view the parades, ceremonies and papier-mâché flowers. Book your flight now to join in the celebration and party in Portuguese style!