Discover the fascinating history of Portugal while improving your European Portuguese. This category covers key events, historical figures, and milestones that shaped the country, providing context to the language and culture. Ideal for learners at all levels, these lessons help you connect language learning with Portuguese heritage, enhancing both your comprehension and cultural understanding.
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
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
The current National Anthem of Portugal was composed in record time right before the Portuguese revolt of January 31st, 1891, by Alfredo Keil and lyrics by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça. Today, it is one of Portugal’s national symbols. The song itself was born as a patriotic song in response to the British ultimatum to abandon … Read more
Why do the Portuguese eat Codfish on Christmas Eve? Isn’t it curious that a country like Portugal, where a variety of fresh fish is caught and consumed, has chosen this fish? It’s not a straightforward fish to prepare! It requires a few impractical steps of prep work such as re-hydration in bowls of water for … Read more
October 5th is a national holiday because, in 1910, Portugal ceased to be a monarchy and became a republic. This revolution on October 5th was the result of a long process of political, social and mental transformation. It led to the erosion of the Portuguese monarchy and the strengthening of the Portuguese Republican Party. But … Read more
This Legend of the almond tree blossoms is one of my favourite Portuguese stories. This traditional Portuguese legend is also a great way to learn European Portuguese through story. Below, you’ll find a listening lesson with subtitles, allowing you to improve your comprehension while discovering a piece of Portuguese history and folklore. The Legend of … Read more
Bolo-rei is a festive cake that is part of the Portuguese Christmas and Epiphany tradition. Its name alludes to the three wise men and translates as King’s Cake. It’s a brioche-like cake, not too sweet, round in shape with a large hole in the centre, resembling a crown. The dough contains a mixture of raisins, … Read more