By the GoÓbidos Team●20 October 2026
Óbidos Events Guide: The Festivals of the Year, Season by Season
Chocolate in spring, knights in summer, books in autumn and Father Christmas in December: the annual calendar of events in the medieval village.
In this article
Chocolate Festival Latitudes Holy Week Medieval Market SIPO FOLIO Christmas Village Frequently asked questions
Óbidos plans its events so there is something to enjoy all year round. Here is the annual calendar of the village; for each festival, follow the link to our full guide or see everything in Festivals in Óbidos.
Chocolate Festival
The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival is probably the sweetest festival in western Portugal. Every year, between March and May, the village fills with chocolate lovers.
White, milk or dark, plain or filled: Portuguese and international chocolatiers, cookery workshops where chocolate is king, and the Chocolate House and sculptures for children.
Latitudes
Latitudes is a literary festival born from FOLIO, which led UNESCO to name Óbidos a City of Literature. It is devoted to travel writing, with book launches, talks, exhibitions and concerts.
Holy Week
The ceremonies of Óbidos Holy Week draw thousands of people every year. They are among the oldest in Portugal: the Procession of the Steps is more than 400 years old. Concerts of sacred music complete the programme.
Medieval Market
The Óbidos Medieval Market turns the village into a medieval town. For 16 days in July and August, jesters, fire-eaters, dancers, musicians and minstrels take over the streets. An event for the whole family.
SIPO
Since August 1996, SIPO, the International Piano Week, has brought students, teachers and great musicians from all over the world. For 12 days, master classes and concerts fill the village.
FOLIO
Since 2015, FOLIO, the Óbidos International Literary Festival, has been a reference in Portugal and abroad. Guests have included Salman Rushdie, Mia Couto, José Eduardo Agualusa and Rachel Kushner.
Christmas Village
In December, the Óbidos Christmas Village brings Father Christmas to Óbidos Castle. Puppets, magicians, theatre and workshops, plus an ice rink, an ice ramp, a magic carousel, Father Christmas’s house and face painting.
Guided tour
Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secret Spots
Between festivals, discover the history of Óbidos with a local guide: castle, walls, churches and legends.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main events in Óbidos?
Holy Week, the International Chocolate Festival, Latitudes, the Medieval Market, SIPO, FOLIO and the Óbidos Christmas Village.
When is the best time to visit Óbidos for festivals?
There is something all year: chocolate in spring, the Medieval Market in summer, FOLIO in autumn and the Christmas Village in December.
More about Óbidos
- Festivals in Óbidos
- Itineraries in Óbidos
- What to do in Óbidos
- Óbidos Castle
- Guided tours in Óbidos
- Explore Óbidos
This article was prepared by the GoÓbidos team, the local tourist guide to Óbidos. Please check dates, opening hours and prices with the organisers before your visit.