FestivitiesThe Portuguese enjoy an array of fun and inviting festivities, which boost tourism throughout the year. There is probably a festival of some sort going on every day somewhere in Portugal. Attending a traditional festival (festa) is a great way for any visitor to Portugal to absorb something of Portuguese popular culture and get to know better the local people and their way of life. Portugal's strong Catholic heritage, allied to the many local pagan customs which were integrated into the average person's religious convictions, has lead to a popular culture rich in a firm belief for many Portuguese in saints, miracles, lucky charms, healing springs, shrines, offerings, magic, cults and superstition.
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Location
2015
April 16–May 3: Óbidos International Chocolate Festival April 23–May 3: Indie Lisboa International Independent Film Festival April 24–26: Music Days in Belém (classical music marathon) April 25: Liberty Day (parades, fireworks; closures) May 1: May Day/Labor Day (closures) May 9–10 & 16–17: Estoril Jazz (jazz festival near Lisbon) May 9–June 7: Festival de Sintra (classical music and opera) May 11–17: Queima das Fitas, Coimbra (“burning of the ribbons”: graduation festivities) May 13: Major pilgrimage to Fátima (Peregrinação de Fátima) May 23–27: Lisbon leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2014–2015 international regatta Throughout June: Festas de Lisboa, Lisbon (series of festivals with celebrations peaking on St. Anthony’s Day) June: Serralves em festa, Porto (40-hour-long contemporary arts festival) June 4–6: Nos Primavera Sound, Porto (indie music festival) June 7–15: National Agriculture Festival, Santarém (dancing, bullfights, bull-running) June 10: Portuguese National Day (Dia de Camões; closures) June 12–13: St. Anthony’s Day (Dia de Santo António), Lisbon (processions and dancing) June 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima June 18–21: Boom Festival, Idanha-a-Nova (Burning Man-like arts festival) June 23–24: St. John’s Day (Dia de São João), Porto (fireworks, dancing) June 27: Arraial Pride, Lisbon (LGBT pride festivities) June 29: St. Peter’s Day (Dia de São Pedro), Évora (dancing, processions) July 4–13: Festa dos Tabuleiros (“Festival of the Trays”), Tomar (huge procession of young girls balancing trays of bread that takes place every four years) July 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima August 5–9: Sudoeste Festival, Zambujeira do Mar (four-day rock festival) August 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima August 15: Assumption Day (religious festival; closures) August 19: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima September 13: Minor pilgrimage to Fátima Mid-September: Our Lady of Nazaré Festival (procession, concerts, folk dancing, bullfights, fairs) October 13: Major pilgrimage to Fátima (Peregrinação de Fátima) December: Vila Natal, Óbidos (Christmas lights, ice rink, performances) December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Imaculada Conceição, closures) December 24: Christmas Eve (Véspera de Natal, midnight mass then feast) December 25: Christmas Day (Natal, closures) December 31: New Year’s Eve (Noite de Ano Novo, fireworks, banging of pots and pans) 2016January 1: New Year’s Day (closures) January 6: Epiphany (Dia de Reis; bands of carolers go from house to house) February: Carnaval (a.k.a. Entrudo, particularly vibrant in Lisbon and Algarve towns, some closures on February 17 for Shrove Tuesday) |
Portugal's traditions are like no other, a mix and variety of ancient and modern influences have created a beautiful and diverse culture.
Life Style The Portuguese have a layed back and easy flow type of life style, they are foils for their neighboring country Spain, a country with temperamental and emotional people. The people of Portugal take being compared to Spain or other countries like it to a level of insult. The siesta like aura often catches tourists by surprise, often time businesses close from 1-3 pm for a break due to the unbearable heat. Most restaurants (excluding bars) tend to be closed by 10 pm. Fashion Although it is not known the Portuguese population tend to where great and expensive fashion. They import most of their clothes from Italy, the pinnacle of men's fashion. women and men alike where vibrant colors and checkered patterns, and often wear traditional costumes for the many parades and festivities Portugal has to offer. Music music is something many Portuguese can boast about. Varying types of music developed all over the country hundreds of years ago. Among folk dances preserved in the culture one should know Vira, much similar to a common waltz, Corridinho, Fandango and many others. Practically, all of them were originated in different regions, but, eventually, were distributed all over the country. Faith About 98% of the Portuguese population is Roman Catholic, this is see in many festivities, traditions, and the way people interact with each other. Many celebrations and parades are performed to commemorate saints, priests, and biblical holidays. A multitude of cities can boast about their eloquent cathedrals. which shows the importance of the church in Portugal. Symbols Along with traditions are symbols that represent Portugal. Key word that should be highlighted are Grapes and Wine. Globalism affected many of these cultural traditions, wine and grapes came from Rome. Fashion has come from Italy, and festivities come from the roman catholic church,
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