Ready to stand out this Halloween? Find inspiration from your Portuguese roots with these culturally clever costume ideas.
Dressing Up in Costume in Portugal
In Portugal, Carnaval gatherings in late Spring look a lot like Halloween. Aside from the musical parades that Carnaval is known for, in Portugal there's also a tradition of dressing up in crazy costumes emulating popular figures, scary monsters, and funny tropes.
Despite this, Halloween, or Dia das Bruxas, is picking up steam! And for those of us in the U.S. and Canada, Halloween is our one day to show off our creative juices and unleash our inner child through costume.
Portuguese-Inspired Costume Ideas
Once fall hits, costume ideas start brewing! Should I go with something classic like a pumpkin or a witch or Frankenstein? Or scare the world in the likes of a famous slasher or the horrific IT clown? Should I be my favorite superhero? Or maybe the Disney princess I always wanted to be?
A lot of the time, your costume ends up being a mish mash of things you've have around the house and a couple of things you buy. And if you're Portuguese, you've probably got a great starter kit at home for an awesome Portuguese-inspired costume!
Below is a list of Portuguese-inspired Halloween costume ideas, along with a few items to help you bring them to life. From Portuguese icons to cultural inside jokes, these ideas might just snag you a costume award at this year's Halloween party. At the very least, you're not likely to show up in the same costume as someone else!
1. Fernando Pessoa
Costume Award: Most Intellectual
GET THE LOOK:
He's Portugal's literary legend. To become Fernando Pessoa, pull out that black tie and polished peacoat that have been sitting in the back of your closet for years. Add a self-adhesive mustache and this flat-rimmed black hat. Borrow a pair of glasses with round frames. And you’ll be a dead ringer for Pessoa — you may even get asked to recite an original poem.
2. Amália Rodrigues
Costume Award: Most Iconic
GET THE LOOK:
Amália is the Queen of Fado. And you channel this icon by layering a traditional Portuguese Viana scarf over a black skirt or dress and pull your hair back into a low bun. Add winged eyeliner and accessorize with a Portuguese mandolin (even a ukelele could play the part). In no time, you'll be feeling the spirit of a seasoned fadista.
3. Sardine Tin
Costume Award: Most Fishy
GET THE LOOK:
Bacalhau may be the most Portuguese fish out there, but sardines are a close second. And with all of the colorful tins they come in, they make for a really fun costume idea. To bring this one to life, get our your crafting supplies! Here are tutorials for a homemade adult sardine tin costume and a kid's sardine tin costume. Or simplify the idea with a silver metallic shirt, sardine headband, fish scale leggings, and a few accessories.
4. Carmen Miranda
Costume Award: Most Tutti Frutti
GET THE LOOK:
She's a Brazilian samba dancer popularly known as the Lady in the Tutti Frutti hat. But did you know that she was born in Portugal? If you love color and whimsy, you'll have a blast dressing up as Carmen Miranda. And you've probably got a few things at home to get started: a colorful or tropical skirt, lots and lots of beaded necklaces and bracelets, and bright red lipstick. Add this headpiece and voilá!
5. Azorean Cow
Costume Award: Best in Show
GET THE LOOK:
Pay homage to the world's happiest cows, those that roam the Azores islands and whose milk produces the famous Queijo de São Jorge. Carry an Azores flag while donning these cow onesies and you'll achieve a look that's sure to be amoo-zing — especially among a crowd of Portuguese friends. Plus, this makes a great family costume idea if you go as a herd of Azorean cows ;)
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Costume Award: GOAT
GET THE LOOK:
He's the world's GOAT and you can be too with Ronaldo's soccer kit from Portugal's Euro 2024 appearance. To really nail the look, wear a blue, captain's armband and style your hair with a healthy amount of gel. If you want to go the extra mile, apply five-minute teeth whitener to mimic Ronaldo's pearly whites. Soccer skills come separately.
7. Portuguese Vóvó
Costume Award: Best Family Member
GET THE LOOK:
For most of us, there's no one we admire more than our mom or grandmother. So why not channel our Portuguese matriarch in a lovingly funny way this Halloween? If you can't borrow their iconic bata, you can get this one or this one on Etsy. To really complete the look, don this hairstyle and carry a wooden spoon with you!
8. Portuguese Explorer
Costume Award: Most Lost in Time
GET THE LOOK:
Channel the great seafarers of Portuguese history for an epic costume — you could take on the name of Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias, Fernão de Magalhães, to name a few. Start off with a Renaissance outfit and add a black cloak. To really get into the explorer character, carry around a map and skyscope.
If you purchase our recommended costume items on Amazon and Etsy, we may receive a small commission because we are an affiliate member. Thank you for supporting a Portuguese-owned small business!
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