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Panoramic view of Lisbon with red tiled roofs along the coast

Event

Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador)

May 1 is a national public holiday in Portugal. Trade-union marches and rallies take place in Lisbon and other cities, and most shops, banks and public services close.

Photo by Sergei Gussev on Unsplash

At a glance

Dates
May 1, 2027
Where
Nationwide
Price
Free

What to expect

  • International Workers' Day — nationwide public holiday
  • CGTP/UGT union marches and rallies in central Lisbon
  • Banks, offices and most shops closed
A yellow tram on a Lisbon street
the Lisbon backdrop around this event.Photo: Alai Photography / Unsplash

Planning tips

  • Expect demonstrations and street closures around Alameda and Praça do Comércio
  • Public transport runs a reduced (Sunday) timetable
  • Tourist sites stay open but with holiday queues
Street with tram tracks and colorful buildings at dusk in Lisbon
Lisbon to explore around the event.Photo: Sergei Gussev / Unsplash

Build a day around it

  • 2–3 hours: arrive early, event, short neighborhood loop.
  • Full day: one walk/attraction + event + calm dinner.
  • Rainy backup: keep one indoor stop in mind.
Things to do →Food & drink →Neighborhoods →

Before you go

  • Confirm details — check the official link for last-minute changes.
  • Arrive with buffer — 15–30 minutes early makes everything calmer.
  • Weather plan — one indoor warm stop in case the day turns.

Sources