Parishes revive Easter traditions during Holy Week
Procession of the Lord of the Steps opens the program of celebrations leading up to Easter
In a powerful expression of faith that marks the approaching festive season, the parishes of the municipality of Portimão are once again promoting an extensive program of religious celebrations associated with Holy Week and Easter, taking place from March 22 to April 5.
Featuring masses, processions, vigils, and Stations of the Cross, the initiatives organized by the parishes invite both the local community and visitors to participate, preserving traditions that remain deeply rooted in the region’s religious life.
Liturgical Program
The liturgical program spans several locations across the municipality, involving the Mother Church of Portimão (Parish of Our Lady of the Conception) and the Pedra Mourinha Vicariate; the Church of Our Lady of Amparo and the Chapel of Santa Catarina in the Fortress (Parish of Our Lady of Amparo); the communities of Mexilhoeira Grande, Figueira, Aldeia de São José de Alcalar, Montes de Cima, and Pereira (Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption); as well as the churches of Alvor, Penina, and Montes de Alvor (Parish of the Divine Savior).
One of the most significant moments of this period is the traditional Procession of Our Lord of the Steps, scheduled for Sunday, March 22, symbolically marking the beginning of the cycle of processions leading up to Easter. This religious ceremony recalls the martyrdom of Jesus Christ and has been, since the Middle Ages, one of the most meaningful expressions of devotion in Catholic tradition. In Portimão, it brings together hundreds of faithful who take part in the procession through the city streets.
Celebrations in Portimão’s Mother Church and Pedra Mourinha
With the arrival of Holy Week, the program focuses on Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On Saturday, March 28, a vigil mass will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Mother Church of Portimão.
A highlight follows on Sunday, March 29, starting at 10:00 a.m., with the Blessing, Procession, and Eucharist of the Palms near the Church of Colégio. The procession will pass along Avenida São João de Deus, Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, Rua da Hortinha, and Rua Machado Santos, concluding at the Mother Church. Additional masses will take place the same day in Pedra Mourinha at 4:30 p.m. and again at the Mother Church at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31, is dedicated to the Day of Mercy and Forgiveness, with confessions scheduled at the Mother Church between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and also in the evening. Lenten offerings will also be collected, this year aimed at supporting victims of the storms that affected the country last month.
On Holy Thursday, April 2, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m., including the washing of the feet ritual and silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. A youth-led moment of communal adoration will take place at 11:00 p.m. Earlier that day, at 10:00 a.m., the traditional Chrism Mass and blessing of the Holy Oils will be held at Faro Cathedral.
Good Friday, April 3, will feature the Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 3:00 p.m., preceded by morning prayer at 10:00 a.m. That evening, at 9:30 p.m., the Procession of the Burial of the Lord will depart from the Church of Colégio, following a route through Diogo Gonçalves, Olivença, and Mouzinho de Albuquerque streets, continuing along the Alameda to the Mother Church, in an atmosphere of deep solemnity.
Holy Saturday, April 4, will be dedicated to reflection, with morning prayer at 10:00 a.m. and the Easter Vigil at 9:30 p.m., the central moment of the Christian liturgy celebrating the victory of life over death.
The celebrations culminate on Easter Sunday, April 5, with a Solemn Eucharist at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Resurrection Procession through Alameda and several central streets, returning to the Mother Church. The faithful are invited to carry a “torch” of flowers and decorate windows and balconies along the route. Additional masses will take place in Pedra Mourinha at 4:30 p.m. and again at the Mother Church at 6:00 p.m.
Mexilhoeira Grande hosts celebrations across several locations
In the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, Palm Sunday celebrations on March 29 will be held in various locations: at 10:30 a.m. in the Church of Mexilhoeira Grande (starting from the retirement home), at 3:00 p.m. in the Church of Figueira, and at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel of São José de Alcalar.
Holy Thursday will include the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30 p.m. in Mexilhoeira Grande, followed by adoration. Good Friday will feature the Celebration of the Lord’s Death at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Stations of the Cross procession through the streets.
The Easter Vigil will take place on Saturday, April 4, at 9:30 p.m. in Figueira. Easter Sunday will include multiple masses: 9:30 a.m. in Figueira, 11:00 a.m. in Mexilhoeira Grande, 3:00 p.m. in Montes de Cima, 4:30 p.m. in Pereira, and 6:00 p.m. in São José de Alcalar.
Baptisms in the Parish of Amparo
The Parish of Our Lady of Amparo will celebrate Palm Sunday on March 29 with a mass and procession at 10:00 a.m., departing from the parish center. Additional celebrations are scheduled at 12:15 p.m. at Santa Catarina Chapel in Praia da Rocha Fortress and at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of Amparo.
On Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper with the washing of the feet ritual will take place at 9:00 p.m. Good Friday includes morning prayer at 10:00 a.m., Stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m., and the Celebration of the Passion at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, April 4, there will be morning prayer and the traditional Easter Vigil at 10:00 p.m., including adult baptisms.
Easter Sunday begins with a 10:00 a.m. mass featuring children’s baptisms, followed by additional celebrations at 12:15 p.m. in Santa Catarina Chapel and at 7:00 p.m.
Procession and Stations of the Cross also in Alvor
In the Parish of the Divine Savior of Alvor, Holy Week and Easter are marked by several events celebrating the Christian faith. On Sunday, March 22, the Seven Last Words of Christ will be commemorated, followed by the traditional Stations of the Cross on March 27.
Palm Sunday includes a procession departing from the Church of Misericórdia to the Mother Church of Alvor at 9:30 a.m.
During Holy Week, celebrations include the Lord’s Supper with the washing of the feet on April 2 at 7:00 p.m., sung morning prayer on Good Friday at 10:00 a.m., the Celebration of the Passion at 3:00 p.m., and the Burial Procession at 9:00 p.m.
Holy Saturday features morning prayer, a food blessing at 11:00 a.m., and the Easter Vigil at 9:30 p.m., followed by a solemn Easter announcement through the village streets. On Easter Sunday, April 5, the community gathers for the Resurrection Procession at 9:30 a.m., followed by mass.
City hosts additional Easter activities
Alongside the liturgical celebrations, the full program of which is available at www.vivaportimao.pt, the Municipality of Portimão is also promoting a range of entertainment initiatives under the theme “Celebrate Easter in Portimão 2026.”
