After a four-year absence, one of Tomar’s most enchanting traditions is back. On the night of 13 June, the banks of the River Nabão will once again glow with the warm light of hundreds of floating lanterns drifting gently downstream — a breathtaking sight that has captivated locals and visitors alike for years.
The festival begins at precisely 21h21, as dusk settles over the city and the lanterns are released onto the water, turning the Nabão into a ribbon of soft, flickering light beneath the stars. With the silhouette of the Convent of Christ watching over the hillside above, it’s a moment that feels truly unique to Tomar.
Free to attend and open to all, this is an evening not to be missed — whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local. Arrive early to find a good spot along the riverbank and soak in the atmosphere before the magic begins.
