Discover practical tips and insights for living in Portugal while improving your European Portuguese. This category covers daily life topics such as housing, transportation, shopping, healthcare, and navigating Portuguese bureaucracy. Ideal for learners and imigrants/expats, these lessons help you understand real-life Portuguese language, customs, and culture, so you can communicate confidently and adapt smoothly to life in Portugal.
Carnaval: Religious or secular? It’s definitely a time of exuberant costumes, lively music, and indulgence before the solemn season of Quaresma (Lent). But is Carnaval a celebration of excess before Lent? Is it a religious festival or a purely secular celebration? The answer depends on where you look. Across Portugal, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, and … Read more
January 11th is International Thank You Day, the perfect time to explore how to say “thank you in European Portuguese”. In previous posts, we learned the difference between obrigado and obrigada and also how to say “you’re welcome“. This post will explore some other ways that go beyond the basics. As a Portuguese learner, expanding … Read more
Must-Know Portuguese Christmas Holiday Phrases Are you dreaming of a unique holiday destination this Christmas? Planning a Christmas Trip to Portugal? Get a few must-know Portuguese Christmas Holiday Phrases in the video down below. My country combines rich traditions, mild winters, and enchanting festivities that create an unforgettable experience! Popular destinations like Lisbon and the … Read more
Sending Christmas cards in Portugal is a wonderful way to share festive wishes and maintain tradition. While it’s less widespread than in the UK or Ireland, many Portuguese still enjoy exchanging cards. Let’s have a quick look at where you can find some and what you can write in them for your Portuguese friends. Where … Read more
Thanksgiving might not be a Portuguese tradition, but Portugal has its own way of honouring the harvest season through local festivals in September and October. These events showcase our country’s rich agricultural heritage, with local produce, wine, and traditions taking centre stage. However, as more Americans visit and live in Portugal, Thanksgiving celebrations have started … Read more
Do we celebrate Halloween in Portugal? In this free advanced Portuguese lesson, discover the unique traditions and cultural nuances! What you’ll learn in this video: Here, you’ll find more information about All Saints’ Day and Halloween in Portugal. Want to take your learning even further? 📚 Get access to the exclusive PDF with written exercises, … Read more
A Modern Celebration alongside Portuguese Traditions Olá pessoal! Ever wondered how Halloween is celebrated in Portugal? As someone with both Irish and Portuguese heritage, I find this topic fascinating. When I moved to Portugal with my parents in 1990, Halloween in Portugal was unknown here. Over the years, it has gained popularity among children but … Read more
In Portugal, All Saints’ Day is celebrated on the 1st of November, just like in many other Western countries. This important holiday, o Dia de Todos os Santos, features various cultural and religious traditions. Some of these traditions are slowly fading away. The most significant custom in Portugal involves visiting the graves of loved ones … Read more
Whether you’re a believer or not, this is a fascinating part of Portuguese culture and history worth exploring. Although this video uses advanced Portuguese (C1/C2 level), it’s also great for beginners looking for challenging but rewarding listening practice. Don’t shy away from immersing yourself in the story and expanding your vocabulary! What you’ll find in … Read more
As we approach the 10th of September, there’s no better time to raise a glass and toast to one of Portugal’s most beloved treasures – Vinho do Porto, or Port Wine. This date marks the Dia do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Day), a day dedicated to celebrating the rich history and exceptional quality of … Read more