Lisbon

Lissabon has approx. 518 000 inhabitants and is known to be very friendly to visitors, the charm of the old world prevails – old ruins and palaces – with the energy of the new world – big Avenidas and modern theater – harmoniously blend. As a city set on a habour, Lissabon provides a good starting point for excursions to nearby regions, the beautiful beaches of Cascais and Estoril, that are not more than half an hour away from the center of the city by train.

More than 150 Festivals, markets, celebrations and processions are on the Portugese calender. Apart from the religious celebrations and the carneval in February the following festivals are very important in Lissabon:
At the end of March: Procissão dos Passos da Graça - Procession through the picturesque streets of the Graça quarter.
Middle until the end of June: Festa do Santo António - Festival to celebrate the holly people in Lissabon. Basilikum is given away (this is meant to bring good luck), Folklore groups parade through the streets singing and dancing until the light of morning.