Timor Leste Happenings and Cultural Events

Timor-Leste has many celebrations commemorating the country’s recent independence as a nation and important religious holidays. Then there are cultural festivals and important sporting events showcasing the warmth and beauty of Timor-Leste.  Joining in is a fun way to meet Timorese and to find out more about this country.

National Holiday Calendar

2026 TIMOR LESTE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Date Event Location/Information
March 23 Meci Harvest Ceremony Lautem, Lore
March (TBC) Sau Batar Corn Cultural Ceremony Kovalima, Kamanasa
April 3 Senor Morto Celebration Pante Macassar, Oe-Cusse
May 20 Restoration of Independence Day Celebrations Independence Square, Dili
May 29-30 TasiFest Culture & Music Festival Tasitolu, Dili www.tasifest.tl
July 13 St Anthony’s Day Pilgrimage Manatutu, Manatutu Vila; Pante Macassar, Oe-Cusse
July 18 Betel Nut Festival Atauro, Biqueli
July 20 Sae Bua Cultural Ceremony Atauro, Makadade
July 24 Tebe Fahi Ulun Traditional Dance Ainaro, Maubise/Vila Ainaro
July 29 St. Martha Holy Week Mass Oe-Cusse
July (TBC) Darwin to Dili Yacht Race Darwin Sailing Club / Dili
August 8 (TBC) Dili International Marathon Dili www.dilimarathon.tl
August (TBC) Tour de Timor Cycling Race West Timor to Timor-Leste
August 22 Our Lady of Fatu Besi Pilgrimage Ermera
August/September Oe-Cusse Betel Nut Harvest Festival Nitibe, Oe-Cusse
September 24-October 12 Dili International Film Festival Dili www.dili.film
October 7 Our Lady of Ramelau Pilgrimage Ainaro, Hatubuiliko/Ramelau
October 8 Mate Bian Cultural Ceremony of Christ the King Baucau, Quilikai
October 16 Our Lady of Aitara Pilgrimage Manatutu, Soibada
November (TBC) Annual Coffee Festival Dili

What to do