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The official Chinese New Year celebrations in Portugal come to the riverside area of Portimão in the Algarve, bringing colourful performances, exhibitions and free cultural activities that are ideal for families, expats and curious visitors.
20–28 February 2026
What is “Feliz Ano Novo Chinês” in Portimão?
“Feliz Ano Novo Chinês” is the official Chinese New Year celebration in Portugal, hosted in Portimão. The event marks the start of the Year of the Horse and runs over several days along the town’s scenic riverside, centred on the historic Antiga Lota building and the surrounding area.
Organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Portugal in partnership with Portimão City Council, the programme showcases Chinese traditions, identity and folklore. Expect a vibrant mix of colour, movement and sound, designed to introduce this millennia-old culture to residents, tourists and the wider Algarve community.
Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event
For tourists, digital nomads and expats based in the Algarve, this celebration is a rare chance to experience an official Chinese New Year event without leaving southern Portugal. The riverside setting in Portimão, one of the main cities in the western Algarve, makes it easy to combine with beach time, local restaurants and other things to do in the region.
The event is especially appealing if you enjoy cultural festivals, photography and live performances. With free entry and a welcoming atmosphere aimed at both locals and visitors, it’s a relaxed way to deepen your cultural experience of the Algarve during the quieter winter season.
What to expect
The programme stretches from 20 to 28 February, with activities focused around the Antiga Lota and the adjacent riverside zone.
The opening ceremony on 20 February at 15:00 in Largo da Antiga Lota is planned as a major highlight, featuring:
- Traditional Dragon and Lion dances
- Musical performances
- Chinese folk dances
Over the weekend of 21 and 22 February, at 11:00 and 15:00, the same area hosts a variety of cultural shows and activities, including:
- Kung Fu demonstrations
- Traditional Chinese music and dance performances
- Sessions of Chinese calligraphy inside the Antiga Lota building
Throughout the event, visitors can also explore a documentary exhibition on the customs of the Spring Festival, a key family celebration in Chinese culture. In addition, a photography exhibition dedicated to Chinese folk traditions is open in the Antiga Lota from 20 to 28 February, generally between 10:00 and 17:00 as described in the programme.
Practical information
Dates and opening times
The Chinese New Year celebrations in Portimão are scheduled from 20 to 28 February. The opening ceremony is planned for 20 February at 15:00 in Largo da Antiga Lota.
On 21 and 22 February, performances and activities are expected at 11:00 and 15:00 in the same riverside area. The photography exhibition in the Antiga Lota is described as being open daily during the event period, typically from 10:00 to 17:00.
As with any event, details may be adjusted closer to the time, so it is sensible to confirm the latest programme when planning your visit.
Tickets and entry
The organisers state that all activities are free to enter, with open access for residents, tourists and the wider community. This makes it an easy, low-commitment addition to your winter stay in the Algarve.
How to get there
Portimão is a major city in the western Algarve, easily reached by road from other coastal towns. It sits west of Albufeira and east of Lagos, making it a convenient day trip from many popular resort areas.
The event takes place around the Antiga Lota and the nearby riverside zone, close to the Arade River waterfront. Once in Portimão, the riverside area is generally accessible on foot from the central part of town, and there are usually parking options in the wider area, though it can be busier during events.
If you are staying elsewhere in the Algarve, travelling by car is often the most flexible option. Public transport connections exist between main towns, but timetables can be limited in winter, so plan ahead.
Tips for making the most of your visit
- Arrive early for the opening ceremony and weekend performances to find a good viewing spot for the Dragon and Lion dances.
- Allow time to explore both the outdoor shows and the indoor exhibitions at the Antiga Lota, including the Spring Festival documentary display and photography exhibition.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you may be standing or walking between different parts of the riverside area.
- Bring a camera or smartphone – the colourful costumes, dances and riverside backdrop are very photogenic.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along Portimão’s waterfront or a meal in town to enjoy more of the local Algarve atmosphere.
- February evenings can feel cool by the river, so pack an extra layer if you plan to stay later in the day.
Whether you live in the Algarve or are visiting for a winter break, the Chinese New Year celebrations in Portimão offer a lively and accessible way to experience a different culture in one of the region’s most vibrant coastal cities.