The competition took place on 7 March 1996 where "O meu coração não tem cor" performed by Lúcia Moniz emerged as the winner following the votes from ten regional juries.

Its least successful result has been last place, which they have achieved on two occasions, most recently in 1974 with the song "E depois do adeus" performed by Paulo de Carvalho.

[3] The winner, "O meu coração não tem cor" performed by Lúcia Moniz, was selected based on the votes of ten regional juries.

[7] During the allocation draw which determined the running order of the final on 22 March 1996, Portugal was announced as having finished in the top 22 and subsequently qualifying for the contest.

The Portuguese conductor at the contest was the co-composer of "O meu coração não tem cor" Pedro Osório, and Portugal finished in sixth place with 92 points.