Traditions and everyday life in PortugalFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Portugal. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
24 keepsakes from Portugal
The Joanine Library of the University of Coimbra - the name that today designates, as an extension of the modern General Library of the University, what was, until the constitution of the latter, simply the House of the…
Shared by Rute
June is the month of the Popular Saints, with parties and festivities held throughout the country on the nights of Saint Anthony, Saint John, and Saint Peter. The main celebrations include the Lisbon Festivals, from the 12th to…
Shared by liraleite
"Pão por Deus" is an ancient Portuguese tradition celebrated on the morning of All Saints' Day (November 1st), when groups of children go out to ask for offerings from door to door; while they do receive plenty of sweets, they…
Shared by mfilipe
In Guarda, Portugal, at the time of Carnival is made The Trial of the Rooster in which with a theater they accuse the rooster for everything that happened in the city and in the country and then it is decided whether to burn the…
Shared by Vikki Blue
The tradition of eating codfish for Christmas dinner stems from Catholic fasting practices, especially in Portugal and other Christian countries. During Advent and Christmas Eve, meat was often avoided, making fish, particularly…
Shared by bea77777
Tâmega River is a 145-kilometer-long international river that starts in Spain and flows into the Douro River in Portugal. The river runs through the historic center of Amarante. Visitors often enjoy pedal boat rides (gaivotas) or…
Shared by MsSardoeira
São João gets celebrated nearly everywhere in Portugal howevee the biggest celebration takes place in Porto. The whole city turns into one big party! Typical: You buy plastic hammers and hit EVERYONE on the streets with it on thw…
Shared by Ame Fleur
Carnaval de Podence refers to the yearly tradition where, men (in recent years women and children too) dress up in costumes in vivid colours, attached with several bells (known as "chocalho"), and run through the streets…
Shared by BelkanScientist
Typical sights I experience when doing Dolphin watching tours for tourists in the river Tagus. 1st Image Shows the "25 de Abri" Bridge and the Christ the King statue 2nd Image shows the "Padrão dos Descobrimentos" monument 3rd…
Shared by Mr Silver
I love to go and just go around and see this city. It is so beautiful and you can also go shopping there. In the first image you can see the Ribeira, it is beautiful. The second image is the Santa Catarina street with all the…
Shared by Airam123
8km from my house there is a little town called Nazaré. Recently it became famous for its massive waves. Surfers from around the world go there, sometimes even settling there and have been transforming the town.
Shared by LookNoParachute
One of the things that truly encapsulates Portuguese culture for me is Fado music. It's a melancholic and soulful genre. Often tells stories of longing, loss, the sea, and the struggles of everyday life
Shared by ARI_222
It’s been getting hotter and hotter here in the north of portugal, but also it’s been getting sunnier, which means it’s now the best time to take polaroids of pretty nature things around me!
Shared by GillyWilly
Small Local Fairs/Markets that sell the most random things! You can often find treasures there. It's like a moving, monthly/weekly Flea Market, but sometimes with new items.
Shared by TsuhimeKon
Portugal has a lot of events, especially for kids but in Christmas or any religious or no religious dates my town, Lisbon, in Portugal has a lot of cool events on downtown!
Shared by Ritamast
Elvas is a portuguese city on the border with Spain, rich in historical heritage is a UNESCO world heritage site. Full of sun and olive trees.
Shared by Nuno Costa
Santos Populares are a series of vibrant and traditional street festivals celebrated across the country during the month of June in Portugal.
Shared by Dreamy Pastels
Ancient bridge built by the Romans still in use, located in Lapa dos Dinheiros, Portugal. Part of the Portuguese Roman Road.
Shared by Snowyblossoms
Portugal was Football European Champion. We have some of the best players in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is Portuguese.
Shared by MarieManoo
On April 25, 1974 Portugal emerged from the dictatorship and became a democracy, a country with freedom.
Shared by Martim Carvalho
On April 25, 1974 Portugal emerged from democracy and became a free country
Shared by Martim Carvalho
Every Saturday I sail with my friends and my coach. I live sailing
Shared by George SnowWant to hear about life in Portugal first-hand? Write to a penpal who lives there.
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