By GoPeniche Team●27 April 2016
Carnival, soup, lace and surf: the events that shape the year in Peniche
From February to October, the Peniche calendar mixes tradition, food and some of the best waves in the world. These are the annual events to put in your diary.
In this article
Carnival (February) Soup Festival Summer Carnival Bobbin Lace Show Handicraft Fair Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem Surf: the world tour Frequently asked questions
In Peniche annual events are spread across all four seasons. They are also a way to discover a town that keeps its roots while looking to the future.
From art and culture to street parties and food, here is the calendar — month by month — to help you plan your visit. For this year’s dates, see the cultural agenda.
Carnival
Carnival parades are a Peniche tradition. Over the days of revelry, school parades and night parades fill the town centre, whatever the weather.
Besides the street party, local clubs hold their own balls. Come and be king or queen of the Peniche Carnival.
Soup Festival
Since 2014, twice a year, Peniche celebrates soup: local fish and seafood soups, stone soup and cod soup, caldo verde and chicken broth. They are made by parish groups, restaurants and local people, organised by the Parish and the Municipality of Peniche.
The soups are joined by mussels, octopus salad, gizzards, grilled chouriço and plenty of other snacks.
Summer Carnival
In Peniche, Carnival happens twice, and the second one is in high summer, bringing more colour, music and fun to the beach season. It is organised by the Municipality and the carnival groups.
International Bobbin Lace Show
Bobbin lace is one of Peniche’s greatest prides. The show celebrates the lacemaker, the technique and the uses of lace, and the town’s hundred-plus lacemakers are joined by others from several countries.
International Handicraft Fair
Organised by MC Eventos with the Municipality and the Volunteer Fire Brigade of Peniche, it is one of the attractions of the beach season. Entry is free; it usually opens 2pm–midnight on weekdays and 11am–midnight at weekends.
Festivities of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem
The festivities open with a night procession of around 20 boats in honour of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, patron saint of fishermen. The following days bring street parties, a sardine feast and the blessing of the fleet.
Surf: the world tour stop
When it comes to the world surfing tour, Peniche stands out on the Portuguese map. Every year the best surfers in the world compete at Supertubos in front of thousands of spectators. The date depends on the World Surf League calendar.
Recommended guided tour
Three hours on foot through the Fortress and the historic centre of Peniche with a local guide, ending with a tasting of traditional sweets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest event in Peniche?
The world surfing tour stop at Supertubos draws the most visitors; among traditional events, the Boa Viagem festivities and the Bobbin Lace Show stand out.
Are the events free?
Most of them, such as the parades, the Handicraft Fair and the surf contest, are free. Always check with the organisers.
Where can I find this year's dates?
In the GoPeniche cultural agenda and on the Peniche Municipality website.
More about Peniche
- Peniche cultural agenda
- Bobbin lace in Peniche
- What to see in Peniche
- The Berlengas archipelago
- Tours in Peniche
This article was prepared by the GoPeniche team, the tourist guide to Peniche. Please check dates, opening hours and prices before your visit.