Where does the samba parade go?

In 2026 it ran along Avenida 25 de Abril, Rua da Fortaleza and Avenida dos Náufragos on the seafront, so any stretch of the waterfront puts you on the route.

Is there anything just for kids?

In 2026 the program had a children's costume contest at the Fortaleza de Santiago and a clown costume parade, with a little road train laid on for kids and people with reduced mobility.

Are the evening parties OK for kids?

They lean adult. In 2026 Praça da Califórnia and Largo da Marinha had background music from 8pm and DJs from midnight until 3am or 4am.

Upcoming

UpcomingFestival

Carnaval de Sesimbra: Samba Schools on the Seafront

When: Dates to be announced
Ages: All ages
Price: Free to watch

Carnaval de Sesimbra: Samba Schools on the Seafront photo 3

FestivalSesimbraRoad Trip

Where

Sesimbra, Avenida dos Náufragos

Ages

All ages

Setting

Outdoors

What you need to know

Free street parade, no tickets, just find a spot along the seafront route
Afternoon parades for families, while the DJ nights on the squares run past midnight
A beach town day out, so you can pair the parade with the town beach and a fish lunch

About

Sesimbra, a fishing town on the Setúbal peninsula, throws a carnival built around Brazilian-style samba schools. Costumed groups and drum sections parade along the seafront, and kids can watch from the curb or come in their own costumes. It suits families who like music and crowds. Toddlers who dislike loud drums may do better at the quieter kids' events in the program.

Free to watch

Dates to be announced

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