Portugal Day in Elizabeth, NJ

Celebrate Portuguese heritage at the Portugal Day Parade in Elizabeth, NJ and enjoy an afternoon of colorful displays and traditions.

Event Schedule
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Before You Go
Elizabeth Portugal Day Logo

Operating since 1979, the Portugal Day Parade in Elizabeth, NJ, is the oldest running Portuguese parade in the State of New Jersey. The parade is organized by the Portugal Day Committee, made up of representatives from each Portuguese organization in the City of Elizabeth and surrounding areas, and showcases the strength, unity, and cultural heritage of the community.

Official Events Schedule | Dates & Times

Portugal Day is celebrated the first weekend of June every year in Elizabeth, NJ. Festivities begin with a flag raising at City Hall on Friday and conclude with the Portugal Day Parade and Arraial (an outdoor feast) on Sunday. Check out the full schedule of events below:

Flag Raising

Friday, June 5, 2026 | 6:30 PM

Portugal Days in Elizabeth receives an honorable kick off with a flag raising at City Hall. At 6:30 PM, the country's flag will be raised and fly under the American flag until June 10th. Following the event, City Hall will issue a proclamation announcing the start of the cultural celebration.

Soccer Tournament

Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM

Gather the kids and take part in the community with an all-day soccer tournament at Warinanco Park Track Field in Roselle, NJ. The sporting event will feature both shootouts and exhibition games out in the sun, and all children are encouraged to participate.

Arraial at P.I.S.C.

Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 5:30 PM

Following a day in the sun with their soccer tournament, visit the Portuguese Instructive Social Club for a bite to eat. Bringing together the tastes and flavors of Portugal, the evening will be filled with tasty delights and great company.

Portugal Day Parade

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM

Portugal Days takes to the streets of Elizabeth in an all-out parade that flaunts rich cultural performances, stylings, floats, and more! The parade starts promptly at 2 PM at Union Square and continues down Elizabeth Avenue. Review their route map to help find the best spots to view the festivities of the outdoor event.

Arraial at P.I.S.C.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 3 PM

Ending the parade will be another arraial held by the Portuguese Instructive Social Club. Enjoy authentic dishes and delicious foods served up by the local community.

Portugal Day Mass

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 8 PM

Portugal Days ends with an honorary mass held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. For those who wish to participate, the cathedral is in Newark, New Jersey, with services starting at 8 PM.

Pictured Portugal Day Parade in Elizabeth, NJ on Elizabeth Ave

More Ways to Celebrate

Every year, just minutes from NYC, we invite you to come escape for a weekend getaway in Elizabeth, NJ, and experience one of the largest Portuguese Parades on the East Coast. Continue to celebrate Portuguese traditions and culture with these additional family-friendly events and enjoy an array of exciting activities.

  • Explore Portuguese History: The Liberty Hall Museum showcases over a hundred rare bottles of Portuguese wine, with some well over 200 years old.
  • Enjoy Mouthwatering Dishes: Try more Portuguese cuisines after attending one of the arraial with Elizabeth's hub of delicious restaurants.
  • Support Local Businesses: Discover why Elizabeth is the 5th Best City for Shopping in America (0% sales tax on clothes and shoes!)

What to Know Before the Event

Want to participate in the rich and colorful celebration of Portuguese culture in the heart of New Jersey, but have a few questions? Now worries. Over the course of the several-day event, parades, tournaments, and cookouts will feature an array of important symbols, native references, and so much more. Here are the things you need to know before attending the vibrant events:

What is an Arraial?

Arraial is an outdoor Portuguese street party.

Why are there people in crowns and sashes?

Prior to Portugal Day, the organization hosts a pageant contest. Like any other pageant show, the contestants must compete to achieve a crowned title. For Portugal Day, these winners are called "The Royal Family."

Six contestants earn the titles of queen, king, prince, princess, little prince, and little princess. These young children are honored throughout the weekend, where they are expected to don their crowns and sashes, and even ride on a float through the parade.

Who are the marshals?

Every parade is led by a team of Marshals who guide the procession along its route. For Portugal Day, the three Marshals stand as a significant symbol within the Portuguese community in Elizabeth, NJ.

Check out the nominated marshals for this year's event here. Keep an eye out for the nominated individuals at the front of the parade: the Grand Marshal, Postumo Marshal, and the Honorary Marshal.

What type of dancing is performed at the parade?

In attendance at the parade, you'll see many dancers performing traditional, cultural routines called folclore. The Portuguese word for "folklore," the style of dance incorporates many aspects of traditional customs, right down to their dresses.

Expect colorful skirts, patterns, and plenty of lively movement that brings culture alive on the streets of Elizabeth.

How can I get involved with Portugal Days?

There are many ways to find your place in the celebration! Portugal Days is always looking for volunteers and contributors to the events.

  • Register for the parade here
  • Sponsor the events here
  • Feature your food booth here
  • Participate in the pageant shows here

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