25 April Holiday

When: Apr 2008 (annual)

Where: Portugal

Cost: Free

This is a public holiday to mark the end of the Fascist dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar, which ended in 1974 after 48 years. The regime was overthrown by the military led by Otelo Saraiva do Carvalho in a bloodless revolution known as the Carnation Revolution, as the soldiers placed flowers down the barrels of their guns.

Santos Populares

When: Jun 2008 (various dates)

Where: Lisbon

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Throughout the day

Lisbon celebrates the Festas dos Santos Populares (Feast Days of the Popular Saints) by decorating the city. Barely a street escapes as paper lanterns, streamers and coloured lights are hung from balconies and railings. The main saints' days are for Antonio (12-13 June), John (23-24 June) and Peter (28-29 June).

National Horse Fair

When: Nov 2008 (annual)

Where: Golegã

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Throughout the day

The National Horse Fair in Golegã, known until 1972 as the St Martin's Fair takes place in conjunction with the saint's celebrations, with a bull-run through the town and a parade of red-waistcoated grooms, plus equestrian activities, with competitions, games, exhibitions and parades at the fairground and around the town.

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