Olhalvo () is a

parish A parish is a territorial entity in many Christianity, Christian denominations, constituting a division within a diocese. A parish is under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of a priest#Christianity, priest, often termed a parish pries ...

of the

municipality A municipality is usually a single administrative division having municipal corporation, corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate. The term ''municipality' ...

of Alenquer, in western

Portugal Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country on the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe. Featuring Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe, Portugal borders Spain to its north and east, with which it share ...

. Its population in 2011 was 1,907.Instituto Nacional de Estatística
/ref> Olhalvo has an area of 8.30 km².

Heritage

Significant buildings include: * Church of "Nossa Senhora da Encarnação", XVII century. * Convent of Carmelitas Descalços" construction began in 1646, and has been under private ownership since 1941. * Chapel of "Senhor dos Aflitos", belonged to "Recolhimento de Nossa Senhora da Conceição", in 1663. It was sold to private owners in 1873. * Cruzeiro * Fontain Olhalvo supports many cultural activities; the following groups are active: * A Philharmonic Band, "Banda da Sociedade Filarmónica Olhalvense", SFO, started activity in 1918 * Folk dance group "O Rancho Folclorico", since 1978, also within SFO * Folk dance group "A Associação Recreativa da Pocariça", also active in sports * Samba School, "Escola de Samba de Penafirme da Mata" * Folk music group "Noses com Vozes", within "Associação Alegres Olhares" related to traditional music.

Special events

* Pilgrimage from Olhalvo to Nazaré, "Círio de Olhalvo à Nossa Senhora da Nazaré"–started in the sixteenth century. It occurs each year in September, organized by the inhabitants of Olhalvand, Penafirme da Mata e Pocariça in rotation. * Singing to the kings "Cantar dos Reis", on the night of 5 January a group of men sings in the streets a theme related to the kings visiting the newborn

Jesus Jesus (AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Chris ...

. Small paintings are made in the houses wishing a good year to the people. * Annual festivities occur in September at Olhalvo's main square.

Localities within Olhalvo parish

Besides Olhalvo itself: * Penafirme da Mata * Casais da Lage * Cruzeiro * Pousoa * Pocariça * Casal Perdigoto * Casal Das Surraipas

References

Parishes of Alenquer, Portugal {{Lisbon-geo-stub