holidays in portugal

it's a holiday in portugal today... they called it the "All Saints' Day"... but don't be deceived by the name; it's somewhat similar to our tomb-sweeping festival (Qing Ming Jie)

on a brighter note, this is the 2nd holiday since i got to portugal... and there are 4 more (?!) in the next coming 1 month....

Dec 1 Restoration of Independence Day.

Dec 8 Immaculate Conception. (whats this??)

Dec 25 Christmas Day.

Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day

Feb 20 Mardi Gras (Carnival) - this is interesting... mardi gras?!!? could this be what i am thinking it could be?? mardi gras..... similar to the event in the pics?!

these are scenes that i captured in Koln (germany) last year....