Our country

 Portugal

     Portugal is an independent country since 1143 and is one of the oldest nations in Europe.
     Situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, its geographic location along the Atlantic coast determined its vocation to the sea.
     In 1415, the Portuguese set sail on an epic voyage that would make them the first to discover the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China, Japan and at the same time founded settlements on the east and west coasts of Africa.
     Traces of this worldwide historic presence may be seen as trademarks of the Portuguese genius. The Portuguese language is one of the most widely spoken in the world and the Portuguese people were privileged for being exposed to so many different civilizations.
     The natural advantages of a sunny country with such diverse geographic features have turned Portugal into a chosen destination for many holidaymakers.
    It’s a member-country of the European Union since 1986.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POPULAR SAINTS

Santo António - São João - São Pedro
(St. Anthony’s Day – St. John’s Day – St. Peter’s Day)
In June, the people of Lisbon celebrate their saint’s day with processions, music, dancing and food. There are parties happening around the various districts in the city from Castelo to Mouraria, Graça to Alfama, and Ajuda to Bairro Alto, culminating on the eve of St. Anthony’s Day with a very important parade in Avenida da Liberdade. Each district shows its Marcha. There are hundreds of singers and dancers . This parade is a competition. So, the best wins!

Typical menu is: Caldo Verde ( a green cabbage soup), grilled sardines, bread and red wine.
ALFAMA is a traditional district of Lisbon

 

 

 

 

There is also an old tradition – a collective wedding ceremony - the brides are known as “ Noivas de Santo António”.

 

Lovers use to offer each other  a manjerico (a flower-pot with a sweet basil plant) and a love poem.

Statue of St. Anthony in Lisbon 





 OUR LADY OF FATIMA
FAREWELL PROCESSION
13th May
There is a famous religious ceremony at the Sanctuary of  Fátima . People say goodbye to the image of Mary by waving white tissues.





PORTUGUESE TRADITIONS
CHRISTMAS

On Christmas Eve Portuguese families gather around the Christmas tree and the Crib to celebrate the birth of Jesus.







In the countryside people burn Cepo de Natal or the Christmas log, which is a piece of oak that burns all through the Christmas day.



Many families attend the Midnight Mess (called "Missa do Galo"). After the Mess they return home and have supper - Ceia de Natal.

«Cantar as Janeiras»
Groups of people gather and go to the houses to sing «as janeiras» which are traditional songs greeting the family and the owners of the house. After singing, the owners of the house invite them to enter and offer them food and drink.






On the 1st January, 12 grapes are eaten during the first seconds of the new year.
On the 6th January it is usual to eat pomegranates and «Bolo Rei». The one who gets the broadbean is compelled by the tradition to buy the following cake. 
             

PORTUGUESE TRADITIONS
EASTER
People eat FOLAR the traditional cake as well as sweet almonds.



Religious ceremonies take place all over the country. The pictures show a procession and the Palm Mess