Learn European Portuguese and explore the lives of Portugal’s beloved saints, traditional feast days, and cultural celebrations, with lessons and content in European Portuguese. Learn relevant vocabulary and customs related to Catholicism in Portugal.
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
The 15th of August marks a significant day for Catholics worldwide. In Portugal, we celebrate the Assumption of Our Lady, Dia de Nossa Senhora da Assunção. This solemn feast day honours the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up into Heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life. This event, deeply … Read more
Olá, queridos leitores! Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through the life of one of Portugal’s most revered historical figures: Rainha Santa Isabel. Her story is not only a tale of royalty but also of deep compassion, faith, and dedication to peace and charity. As we delve into her life, we’ll uncover … Read more
The 8th of December in Portugal is a cherished holiday and a day of jubilation. As someone passionate about sharing Portuguese culture, I’m excited to delve into the unique aspects of this national holiday. The Divine Origin At its core, this celebration pays homage to the life and virtue of the Virgin Mary, mother of … Read more
As the saying goes, “On St. Martin’s Day, you eat chestnuts and drink wine.” And when it comes to the wine to accompany chestnuts during Magusto, the answer is clear: Jeropiga. jeropiga (an alcoholic drink made of must, brandy and sugar) Jeropiga: A Cozy Tradition in the Colder Months Nothing warms the heart more than … Read more
There is a deep-rooted seafaring heritage in Portugal, a country blessed with a long coastline. The celebration of São Pedro holds a special place in the hearts of coastal communities. São Pedro is an enchanting festival that pays homage to the patron saint of fishermen and seafarers. This is because in the Bible, Peter was … Read more
São João in Portugal is one of the three popular saints we celebrate in June. Portugal is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality. It’s also home to an array of captivating festivals that bring people together in a celebration of life. Among these festivities is São João, which stands out … Read more
Olá pessoal! Every year on 13 June, Portugal celebrates Saint Anthony’s Day (o Dia de Santo António), one of the country’s most beloved summer festivals. Part of the wider Santos Populares celebrations, the festivities are especially famous in Lisbon, the birthplace of Saint Anthony. From the colourful Marchas Populares and traditional sardine feasts to the … Read more
Who are the popular saints of Portugal? And why are they all celebrated in June? These celebrations are also known as Festas Juninas and are generally held around the summer solstice in June in the northern hemisphere. You may know them as Midsummer celebrations. The difference is, that Portugal dedicates three days to this instead … Read more