Christmas in Portugal is more than a time of religious celebration; It is a moment full of traditions that mix with history, culture and typical flavors. We invite you to explore with us how these traditions have spanned centuries and continue to enchant today. Our tip is to check out the page dedicated to Christmas in Portugal on our website to find out more.
Christmas in the Middle Ages and Its Roots
We discovered that the Christmas tradition in Portugal began in the Middle Ages, when the influence of the Catholic Church was very strong. The nativity scene, for example, became a central part of celebrations thanks to Saint Francis of Assisi, who set up the first living nativity scene in Italy in the 13th century. In Portugal, this tradition gained strength and to this day many families decorate their homes with detailed nativity scenes. An incredible example is the Machado de Castro Nativity Scene, which we recommend visiting at the Machado de Castro National Museum, in Coimbra.
Christmas Dinner: Cod and Conventual Sweets
We realize that no Christmas dinner in Portugal is complete without cod. It reflects the Portuguese connection with fishing and the simple and tasty gastronomic tradition. Typical sweets, such as rabanadas, sonses and bolo-rei, originate in convents, where nuns created desserts with eggs and honey. Our tip is to try these flavors that are an essential part of Christmas. As Eça de Queirós wrote, "Christmas is the time when the smell of honey and cinnamon invades the streets". Check out recipes and tips on our website.
Christmas Eve and Popular Beliefs
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, has traditions that continue to enchant. In regions like Trás-os-Montes, there is the custom of setting an extra place at the table for relatives who have passed away, showing that they are still part of the family. We also researched beliefs involving candles and prayers to bring luck in the new year. Our suggested reading is the book 'Portugal: Tradições e Simbolismos' by António Mota, which addresses this topic in detail. We recommend exploring these stories in our Christmas traditions guide.
The Wood and the Christmas Bonfires
We know that in several villages the Christmas Madeiro is a tradition full of symbolism. This community bonfire is lit on the night of December 24th in Portuguese villages and towns, mainly in the Beira Interior region. Madeiro represents union and warmth, as ethnographer António Lobo Antunes wrote: "Madeiro is the flame that warms not only the body, but also the hearts of people". Our suggestion is to visit one of these villages and experience this tradition in person.
Christmas in the Words of Portuguese Poets
We discovered that Christmas inspired great Portuguese writers. Fernando Pessoa spoke about "the sacred silence of Christmas midnight", and Miguel Torga, in the story "Christmas", described how the cold of the mountains is warmed by the human warmth of the reunited family. Our tip is to get to know these works to feel the magic of the time even more.
Modern Curiosities
Nowadays, we see that Christmas celebrations in Portugal mix tradition and modernity. The street lights in Lisbon and Porto are beautiful to see and attract visitors from all over the world. The Christmas Tree in Praça do Comércio, for example, is a highlight that we highly recommend. Check out the calendar of events and lighting that we have prepared on our website to plan your visit.
Celebrating Christmas in Portugal means experiencing moments that mix history, literature and gastronomic traditions in a unique way. As Almeida Garrett said: "There is no Christmas like ours, where the past meets the present by the light of a candle." Discover more tips, destinations and experiences on our website, Lisbon Tips!
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