Customs of Portugal

Marriage and Family

Engagements are usually lengthy while the couple saves money for a home. Marriage ceremonies generally follow the Roman Catholic tradition. It is uncommon for young people to live together before getting married.

The nuclear family in Portugal, which averages two children, maintains close ties with aunts, uncles, and cousins, even those who have gone abroad to work. Women often work outside the home in urban areas43.9 percent (1999).

Eating

The staple foods in Portugal include fish, vegetables, and fruits. One of the national dishes is bacalhau, which is dried cod usually served with potatoes and green vegetables, and sometimes chickpeas. Bacalhau can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is sometimes deep-fried with potatoes, which are called pasteis. The traditional Portuguese salad includes dark-green lettuce, tomatoes, onions, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Chicken is eaten throughout the country in many forms, such as frango na púcara (chicken cooked in a pot), or cabidela, which is chicken with rice cooked with the chicken blood. Pork, partridge, quail, and rabbit are other common meats. A popular dish is cozido á portuguesa, which contains potatoes and many other vegetables, rice, and various meats. Olive oil and garlic are used a great deal in cooking. Fruit is often eaten as dessert, and cheese is frequently part of a meal. There are many pastry shops, and pastries are also sold in coffee and tea shops. Wine is inexpensive and is served at most meals.

Mealtimes are considered important occasions for conversation. Portuguese eat with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right; a special knife and fork are often used when eating fish. It is important to keep one’s hands above the table at all times, and it is impolite to stretch at the table as it implies that one is bored. Except for ice-cream cones, it is generally considered improper for adults to eat food while walking in public.

A small breakfast is eaten around 8 am, lunch is at about 1 pm, and the evening meal is generally between 8 and 9 pm. Bica, a strong espresso-type coffee, is often served after the meal. In some areas of the north, bica is called cimbalino.

Socializing

A warm, firm handshake is an appropriate greeting between men. People often greet those of the opposite sex with a kiss on each cheek; women greet one another this way, as well. Children are expected to kiss adults in their extended family when greeting them. Touching is a common part of greeting because it shows friendship. First names are used for friends, the young, and children; otherwise, a title is used with a surname to address an adult. Sometimes the title is combined with the first name, rather than the last; it depends on personal preference and the relationship between the speakers. Common terms for greeting include Born dia (“Good day”) and Boa noite (“Good evening”). When visiting someone’s home, it is normal to wait outside the door until invited in; similarly, guests do not let themselves out but wait for the host to open the door.

Much socializing takes place in the home, but it is common for business associates to meet at a restaurant, and people enjoy meeting informally at cafés. Many people in urban areas retain strong ties with their home towns or regions, and try to return as often as possible to visit relatives and friends.

Recreation

Portuguese families enjoy taking walks, going to the park or the beach, and picnicking. People often take short trips or visit relatives. Sitting outdoors or at a street café is popular. Going to the cinema, nightclubs, or discos is common in urban and tourist areas. A popular type of theater is the revista (revue), which satirizes the government, international topics, or social issues. Soccer is the most popular sport. Roller skating, roller hockey, basketball, and handball are also enjoyed. There are considerable opportunities for water sports. The south also has a number of golf courses and leisure complexes offering tennis and other sports. Most foreign tourists go to the Algarve and a few resorts in the Lisbon area, but there are many other resorts further north that are popular among the Portuguese. As in Spain, bullfights continue to draw crowds. However, in Portugal, the bull is not killed but is tackled by an unarmed forcado assisted by others who distract the bull and hold on to its tail.

Holidays and Celebrations

The Portuguese celebrate the coming of the New Year on 1 January. Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday), Good Friday, and Easter Day are all holidays. Liberation Day (25 April) commemorates the revolution of 1974, and Labor Day (1 May) is observed. Corpus Christi, observed in honor of the Eucharist (in May or June), has been one of the country’s most important religious holidays since medieval times. The inhabitants of the city of Ponta Delgada lay down a carpet of flower petals stretching almost a mile in length.

The National Day of Portugal (10 June) is the anniversary of the death of Portugal’s national poet, Luis de Camões, who was born in 1524.

Saint Anthony's Day (12-13 June) is celebrated, particularly in Lisbon, with festivals and a special Mass. On Saint John’s Day (24 June), parades, pageants, bullfights, and fireworks light up the country. Because Saint John the Baptist is associated with fire and water, on Saint John’s Day people dance around bonfires—or even leap over them. On Saint John’s Eve, water is believed to have magical healing powers.

The Assumption, on 15 August, commemorates the day that the body of Jesus Christ’s mother, Mary, is said to have been “assumed” into Heaven. Proclamation of the Republic Day is celebrated on 5 October. All Souls’ Day (Dia dos Finados) on 2 November remembers the faithful departed. It is observed with special masses and processions to cemeteries. Independence Day (1 December) celebrates Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640. The Day of the Immaculate Conception is observed on 8 December, and Christmas is celebrated on 25 December.

Source: Encarta Interactive World Atlas