In the Portuguese calendar there are many occasions when we go out into the streets and celebrate. And we always do it 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's 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.