Festa dos Tabuleiros 2027 in Tomar: Dates, Program and Visitor Guide

Welcome to the Festa dos Tabuleiros 2027 in Tomar

Only once every four years, the small Portuguese town of Tomar turns into one of the country's most striking stages. From 3 to 12 July 2027, it hosts the Festa dos Tabuleiros, the Festival of the Trays. Its centerpiece is a procession in which hundreds of women carry "tabuleiros" as tall as themselves on their heads, elaborate towers built from 30 loaves of bread and decorated with paper flowers. The last edition took place in 2023; since 2023 the tradition has been listed as Portuguese National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and a Unesco nomination is underway.

Highlights

• Held only once every four years, the next edition after 2023 takes place in 2027
• Head high bread towers (tabuleiros) decorated with flowers, carried by hundreds of women
• Grand procession "Grande Cortejo dos Tabuleiros" on 11 July
• Opening procession of the Crowns and Banners of the Holy Spirit on 28 March
• Traditional folk games, a children's procession and decorated streets
• Closing food distribution ("Pêza") on 12 July

Program

The festival traditionally begins on Easter Sunday, 28 March 2027, with the first procession of the Coroas and Pendões (Crowns and Banners) of the Holy Spirit through the town; it is repeated several times over the following months. The main festival period, from 3 to 12 July, opens on 4 July with the Cortejo dos Rapazes, the children's procession. On 7 July the decorated streets open, and on 9 July the Cortejo do Mordomo takes place. 10 July brings the partial processions, an exhibition of the tabuleiros in the Mata dos Sete Montes forest park, and the finals of the traditional folk games. The high point comes on 11 July (Sunday) with the procession of the Crowns and the grand procession of the tabuleiros through the town. The festivities close on 12 July with the Pêza, when food is distributed to families in need.

Tickets

The Festa dos Tabuleiros is a public folk celebration with no admission fee; all processions and festivities in Tomar's streets and squares are freely accessible. Exact times for individual program points are published in advance by the Tomar town council.

Visitor Tips

• Secure a spot along the procession route early on Sunday, 11 July, since the main procession is the most attended part of the program.
• Book accommodation in Tomar well in advance, as the town attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during the festival.
• Wear comfortable shoes, since the historic center is mostly explored on foot.
• Bring sun protection, as the July processions usually take place in intense heat.
• The days around the main procession are worth seeing too, including the children's procession and the decorated streets.