Can we see the marchas somewhere with a seat?

Yes. Before the parade the marchas perform their full shows indoors at the MEO Arena over several nights. In 2026 tickets were €6 a night on MEO Blueticket, and a different extra marcha (children's, markets or Santa Casa) opened each night.

What else is going on in the city that night?

It is Santo António's eve, so the old neighborhoods like Alfama, Mouraria and Graça hold street parties (arraiais) with music and grilled sardines. Many families eat at one and then walk to the Avenida.

Does my kid need to speak Portuguese?

No. The songs are in Portuguese, but the costumes, the decorated arches and the bands carry it.

Festas de Lisboa and Santos Populares with Kids, 2 of 7

UpcomingFestival

Marchas Populares: Lisbon's Neighborhood Parades on Santo António's Eve

Name: Marchas Populares: Lisbon's Neighborhood Parades on Santo António's Eve
Start: 2027-06-12
End: 2027-06-12
Location: Avenida da Liberdade

When: Sat Jun 12, 2027
Ages: All ages
Price: Free to watch

Marchas Populares: Lisbon's Neighborhood Parades on Santo António's Eve photo 1

Marchas Populares: Lisbon's Neighborhood Parades on Santo António's Eve photo 2

Marchas Populares: Lisbon's Neighborhood Parades on Santo António's Eve photo 3

Marchas Populares: Lisbon's Neighborhood Parades on Santo António's Eve photo 4

FestivalSanto António

Where

Santo António, Avenida da Liberdade

Ages

All ages

Setting

Outdoors

Music

A live band with each marcha

What you need to know

An after-dark parade with 20-plus marchas in the line, so most families watch the first few and head home
Kids' marchas go first: the children's troupe from A Voz do Operário opens the night before the competing neighborhoods
Free from the pavement, but the crowds along the Avenida are thick, so arrive early for a front spot a small kid can see from

About

Each of Lisbon's old neighborhoods (Alfama, Mouraria, Bica, Madragoa and more) sends a marcha down Avenida da Liberdade: a troupe of couples in matching costumes, carrying decorated arches and singing its own song to a live band. It is a judged contest and the opening night of the city's biggest street party. Children's marchas lead the line, so kids get to watch other kids perform first.

Free to watch

Sat, Jun 12, 2027

9:00 PM

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