Only once every four years, the town of Tomar holds the Festa dos Tabuleiros, one of the oldest and most beautiful festivals in Portugal. The people of Tomar voted in 2026 to hold the next edition in July 2027.
Exact dates for 2027 are still to be confirmed. The main procession, the Cortejo dos Tabuleiros, is expected on Sunday 11 July 2027, with the festivities in the days before. We will update this page as soon as the programme is published.
What the festival is
The highlight is the Cortejo dos Tabuleiros, the procession of the trays. Hundreds of girls dressed in white walk through the streets carrying tabuleiros on their heads: towers of bread and paper flowers as tall as the girl herself, crowned with a dove or a cross. Each is accompanied by a partner. The procession is announced by bagpipes and fireworks and led by the banner of the Holy Spirit. The roots of the festival go back to medieval celebrations of the Holy Spirit and the sharing of bread.
In the days before the procession, the streets of Tomar are decorated with paper flowers made by the residents themselves, and the town fills with music and smaller parades.
How to get there from Lisbon
Tomar is about 140 km from Lisbon, around 1h30 by car. On procession day the centre closes to traffic and the town receives far more visitors than residents. A private driver drops you as close as possible, waits outside the closures and takes you back when you are ready, without the queues for trains and parking.
Suggested route
- The Convent of Christ, the former headquarters of the Knights Templar above Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit in the morning, before the procession.
- The procession in the centre of Tomar.
- Almourol Castle, a Templar castle on an island in the Tagus, 25 minutes away, on the way back.
Good to know
- July in Tomar is hot. Find a shaded spot along the procession route early.
- Restaurants fill up on procession day. Book lunch or bring a picnic.
- This is a once-in-four-years event, so plan and book early.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Festa dos Tabuleiros in 2027?
It will take place in July 2027, with the main procession expected on Sunday 11 July. The official programme has not been published yet.
How often does it happen?
Every four years. The last edition was in 2023.
How far is Tomar from Lisbon?
About 140 km, around 1h30 by car.
Plan your trip to Festa dos Tabuleiros
Tell us your date and group. We reply by email within 24 hours with a route and a confirmed price. No payment is needed to enquire.
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Sources and official information: Tomar votes to hold the festival in 2027 (Notícias ao Minuto) · Festa dos Tabuleiros on Visit Portugal. Dates and programmes can change; always check the official sources before you travel.
