Family is one of the coordinates of a Portuguese person’s life, so it is important to remember that, when it comes to national celebrations and feasting, this nucleus is the “axis mundi” in this Mediterranean country.

Much like in their neighbouring country, Spain, it is customary for the Portuguese to have a family dinner, called “Consoada” on Christmas Eve. The word is derived from the Latin “consolare” (to console). Christmas is preceded by the Advent in the (predominant) Catholic communities, a time of repentance for sins and of feasting. In Northern Portugal (Porto, Minho), people leave places at the table and light a candle for relatives that have recently passed away.

The Christmas cuisine throughout the entire western world is pretty formulaic: lots of meat (usually pork or turkey), soup and baked sweets. In the case of Portugal, however, fish plays the most important role. There is Bacalhau (codfish with salt), Polvo (Octopus) in the Algarve and cookies.

Children however will be children all around the world. Santa Claus (or ‘Pai Natal’, as he is dubbed in Portugal) is believed to bring kids beautiful presents. And because the Portuguese are not big on waiting, they receive the treats for being good for an entire year left under the Christmas Tree on Christmas Eve rather than on the morning of Christmas. Some attribute the presents to Baby Jesus instead of the Occidental red coated Santa.

On Christmas night, there is a midnight service at Church. The morning after, there is again a mass which can be attended by those who couldn’t come to church the previous night.

Did you think the list of traditions is over? Think again and join us again tomorrow!