Explore the rich culture and traditions of Portugal while learning European Portuguese. This category covers holidays, festivals, popular customs, folklore, Fado, sports, proverbs, and everyday life in Portugal. Ideal for learners at all levels, these lessons help you understand the context behind the language, improve cultural awareness, and communicate naturally in real-life situations.
Olá pessoal! On the 31st of May, we gather to honour a special occasion – Siblings Day in Portugal. This day warms the hearts of siblings all over the country. irmãos (brothers) and irmãs (sisters) come together to celebrate their lifelong connections, reminiscing and expressing gratitude for their unique bond. Join us as we explore … Read more
Olá pessoa! Today, we embark on a joyful journey exploring the delightful dia da Espiga, one of Portugal’s cherished traditions. Join me as we delve into the beauty of this celebration, discovering its origins, significance, and the enchanting customs that make it so special. Dia da Espiga (Ear of Wheat Day) Unveiling the Origins The … Read more
Labour Day in Portugal is known as O Dia do Trabalhador or Primeiro de Maio. We celebrate it on the 1st of May, and it’s almost like Christmas! I say that in the sense that many places will be closed! Origin of Labour Day Labour Day is a significant event with deep roots in the … Read more
Ever wondered what lamb in Portugal is? What’s it called and how old is it? It’s not just borrego! In this post, I’ll walk you through some aspects of the different stages. Firstly, you’re probably familiar with the term borrego 🐑 because that’s what you see in butchers and on restaurant menus. But there are … Read more
Arbour Day in Portugal, known as Dia Mundial da Árvore, is celebrated on March 21st annually. Across the country, municipalities engage in tree planting, reforestation, and awareness events to highlight the significance of preserving trees for environmental balance and citizens’ well-being. The Forests Forests cover approximately 30% of the Earth’s surface, where photosynthesis happens. Forests … Read more
Father’s Day in Portugal is observed on the 19th of March. This day was chosen because it is also St. Joseph’s Day – the Patron Saint of Fathers. Is Father’s Day a Public Holiday? Father’s Day in Portugal is not a public holiday, so shops and services will function as normal. Origin of Father’s Day … Read more
Where’s the craic? Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t a public holiday in Portugal, and it isn’t a traditional Portuguese celebration. Most Portuguese people don’t celebrate it as part of the Portuguese cultural calendar, and many may know very little about the day. However, if you live in an area with a large international community, you may … Read more
Although the right for women to vote has been achieved, on the 8th of March, we celebrate International Women’s Day in Portugal to remember the achievements of women who, throughout history, have fought for their rights and against prejudice. Regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political divisions. The Date The date is not … Read more
Lent in Portugal is A Quaresma and it starts on Ash Wednesday (Quarta-Feira de Cinzas) and finishes on Holy Thursday (Quinta-Feira Santa), which is the day before Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa). It’s a religious celebration observed by the Catholic Church in Portugal. Ash Wednesday is the day right after Shrove Tuesday, or as we call … Read more
It was the UN General Assembly that proclaimed the 15th of May as International Family Day: O Dia da Família. And was celebrated for the first time in 1994. The celebration aims, among other things, to highlight the importance of family structure and its prominence as the basis of early childhood education. So to celebrate … Read more