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Carnival is returning to Tomar this year (2008) in true bead-throwing, hip swinging fashion on Friday 1st February.

The festival, which marks the start of Lent, is celebrated the world over with many exuberant parades as the finale.

Though the festival has always been marked in the Knight Templars founded town in Central Portugal, for the first time in 17 years there will be a parade.

The festivities officially begin on Saturday 1st February with individual events in selected bars within the town.

Since Christmas shops in Tomar have been selling costumes for carnival and as the countdown begins for the festivities to commence activity has increased in the creation of floats for the parade.

It is hoped by the organisers and promoters of the event, the Association of Culture in Tomar - Tomarinitiatives, there will be a lot of community support. Whether this is as participants of the parade or as spectators.

Carnival in Tomar, Central Portugal

Timetable of events for Carnival in Tomar, Central Portugal

Friday 1st February

Individual events within selected bars in Tomar

Saturday 2nd February

Municipal Pavilion - Themed Dance with bands Gigantones, Cabecudos and FH5 roadshow

Sunday 3rd February

Daytime - Municipal Pavilion -Entertainment for children including clowns, face painting etc

Evening - Individual events in selected bars

Monday 4th February

Masked Ball - Municipal Pavilion with live bands including T and Trevo

Tuesday 5th February

Parade through the streets of Tomar with floats, bands, flame throwers, groups and spontaneous participants.

Wednesday 6th February

9pm - close of festivities in Praça da República