Event
Restoration of Independence (Restauração da Independência)
December 1 marks the 1640 uprising that restored Portuguese independence from Spain. It is a national public holiday with civic ceremonies, often falling near the December 8 holiday for a festive stretch.
At a glance
- Dates
- December 1, 2026
- Where
- Nationwide
- Price
- Free
- Official
- www.officeholidays.com ↗
- Source check
- Verified June 20, 2026
- Review by
- October 2, 2026
What to expect
- Commemorates the 1640 restoration of independence from Spain
- Civic ceremony in Lisbon's Praça dos Restauradores
- Opens the festive December stretch alongside Dec 8
Planning tips
- Public offices and most shops close
- Christmas lights are usually already lit across central Lisbon
- Often paired with Dec 8 for a long festive week
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.
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
More on the calendar
Other upcoming events
5OCTNationwideRepublic Day (Implantação da República)
October 5 commemorates the 1910 proclamation of the Portuguese Republic. It is a national public holiday with civic ceremonies, military honours and free entry to many state museums.
25APRNationwideFreedom Day (Dia da Liberdade)
April 25 commemorates the 1974 Carnation Revolution that ended Portugal's dictatorship. It is a national public holiday with civic ceremonies, a parade down Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade and the laying of red carnations.
1MAYNationwideLabour 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.