Tavira’s 1989 Flood

Photo of the 1989 flood in Tavira. It's one of the corners in the Praça Dr. António Pires Padinha, Tavira.

Tavira’s 1989 flood happened during one of the Algarve’s most destructive storms. On 3rd December, heavy rain and fierce winds hit the region. The Gilão River overflowed, flooding streets and homes in Tavira. The storm highlighted the weaknesses in local infrastructure and caused significant damage. It was a powerful reminder of nature’s force and the … Read more

Dia de Todos os Santos

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

Leeks and Hammers

The Quirky Charms of São João Celebrations As the night of São João approaches, the city of Porto becomes ablaze with festivities. Amidst the revelry, two intriguing elements take centre stage: leeks and hammers. Although these plastic hammers may seem like toys for fun, it’s the leek that holds one of the keys to age-old … Read more

São João in Portugal

O Dia de São João

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