In the Portuguese calendar there are many occasions
to go out into
the streets and celebrate. Celebrations are always
done in
style!
Celebrations for patron saints and the Virgin Mary
are liveliest. You'll find music, dancing, plenty of
colour and streets full of flowers.
The Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are
equally worth
a visit, as Portuguese people come
together around the table to eat, drink and have a
good time.
These are real family occasions, but
don't be surprised if this hospitality
is also
extended to you and your family!
Spend a
magical Christmas in Portugal, with Father Christmas and
decorated trees, together with some more unusual traditions.
On Christmas Eve in Portugal, salt cod is the
traditional dish and meat is served on Christmas and
Boxing days.
For dessert, the menu includes
crown-shaped Bolo Rei filled with crystallised
fruit, and traditional fritters.
The pastries, filhozes, sonhos and rabanadas, are
delicious.
At home, just as in the local church, people find a
special place
to put the Saviour's crib from the
nativity.
It was the idea of St. Francis of Assis in
the 13th Century to
re-create the stable where Jesus
was born at Christmas.
Stay for the New Year celebrations. At midnight,
there is a fireworks display in every town.
Everyone
eats 12 raisins, with one wish for each month, and
drinks champagne to bring in the New Year.
