Christmas Traditions in Portugal
With its rich Christian heritage, Portugal has celebrated another Christmas filled with tradition and significance. Despite its size, every corner of the country has its unique ways of celebrating the season. If you’ve never experienced Christmas in Portugal, or more specifically in the Algarve, discover in this article some typical customs of this time of year.
We are in the final month of the year, a period of celebrations in Portugal. With Christmas and, shortly after, the arrival of a new year, the Portuguese dedicate these weeks to the traditions and preparations they are keen to preserve. Homes are beautifully decorated, the streets are filled with lights, and many families begin their preparations as early as November. In this article, discover the traditions that make Christmas in Portugal so special.
Christmas Traditions in Portugal
1. Santa Claus
Santa Claus, with his red suit, white beard, and mission to deliver presents around the world, is also part of Christmas tradition in Portugal, although his origins lie in other countries. Interestingly, in the North of Portugal, in Guimarães, the Nicolinas festivals are held, paying tribute to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian priest known for his support of the poor and children. It was the story of this saint that inspired a soft drinks brand to reinvent the figure: dressing him in red, adding a large white beard, and transforming him into the Santa Claus we know today.
In recent decades, the Portuguese have adopted Santa Claus as an integral part of their Christmas celebrations. Today, he is a central figure in the children's imagination, who eagerly awaits his visit on Christmas Eve. It is Santa Claus who, at midnight, descends the chimney and carefully places the presents under the tree. After all, the magic of Christmas lives on while children believe in the visit of this character.
2. Nativity Scene
The nativity scene, though less common in Portuguese homes today, remains a tradition for many, who recreate this biblical scene next to the Christmas tree. The simplest nativity scene depicts the birth of Baby Jesus lying on the straw, with Mary and Joseph adoring him, while an ox and a donkey warm him with their breath. A little farther from the humble stable, the Three Wise Men advance, guided by the glow of a star.
In the Algarve, it is customary to enrich the nativity scene with small streams of water and moss brought from the mountains, adding a regional touch to the composition. In addition, in some municipalities of the region, hand-made nativity scenes can still be admired, featuring thousands of figures and detailed recreations of the Algarve locations.
At the Cultural Centre of Lagos, you can find the impressive nativity scene by José Cortes, a meticulously crafted piece that the artist lends annually for everyone to appreciate this Christmas representation. In Vila Real de Santo António, the largest nativity scene in the country stands out, a true attraction with free entry, where visitors can admire every detail of this creation. Both are remarkable examples that not only preserve the nativity scene tradition but also captivate visitors with their rich details and the dedication involved in their creation. They are genuine works of art that keep the magic of Christmas alive.
3. Gift Exchange
At Christmas, despite the magic associated with Santa Claus, we know that the presents under the tree are, in fact, gifts from the adults. In Portugal, it is common to open presents on the night of the 24th to the 25th of December, after midnight, or on Christmas morning.
Another well-loved tradition is the exchange of gifts among secret friends. Each participant discreetly draws the name of a person and, at the pre-arranged Christmas dinner, gives them their gift. Until the moment of the exchange, the secret friend’s name must remain a secret, making the activity even more enjoyable.
Additionally, pre-Christmas dinners are becoming increasingly popular. Held on the weekends leading up to the 25th, they bring together work colleagues, members of clubs or hobbies, and groups of friends, who take the opportunity to celebrate around the table. These gatherings strengthen bonds and usher in the Christmas spirit.
4. Christmas Menu
Christmas recipes in Portugal reflect the cultural diversity of a small country, rich in gastronomic traditions. The most common dish on Christmas tables is boiled cod with potatoes and cabbage, but it is not the only star of the meal.
In the Algarve, "cabidela" (a dish made with chicken, chicken blood and potatoes) is a typical alternative, while in Beira Litoral, Trás-os-Montes, and Alto Douro, boiled octopus makes an appearance at Christmas dinner. In Madeira, "carne de vinha-d'alhos" (pork marinated in wine and garlic) is a symbol of the season, and in the Azores, dishes like chicken soup and "torresmos" (fried pork belly) served with yam and blood sausage are popular.
In terms of sweets, the variety is equally remarkable. In Alentejo, "azevias" (fried pastries filled with chickpeas or sweet potato) are a must. In the Algarve, "sonhos" (fried dough balls flavoured with orange) are a delicious tradition that adds sweetness to the festivities.
These regional delicacies show how, from north to south, including the islands, Christmas is celebrated with unique flavours steeped in history.
5. Bolo-Rei
Bolo-Rei is an essential presence on Christmas tables in Portugal. Round, topped with dried fruits and candied fruit, it is a symbol of the festive season. However, this traditional cake no longer maintains one of its most famous customs: the hidden metal trinket and the broad bean within the dough.
In the past, whoever found the broad bean in their slice had to pay for the Bolo-Rei the following year, ensuring the continuation of the tradition. For safety reasons, this practice has been abandoned, but the Bolo-Rei remains one of the favourites of the Christmas season.
In recent years, new versions have emerged to cater to different tastes. The "bolo-rainha" (queen cake), made only with nuts, chocolate bolo-rei, and "bolo-rei de gila" (a variety popular in the Algarve), are some of the variations you can find in bakeries across the country.
6. Midnight Mass
In large cities, this tradition has lost popularity, but in smaller villages and parishes, it remains alive and well. Just before midnight, many people head to church to attend the Midnight Mass, a Christmas celebration that brings the community together.
It is only after this ceremony that, in many families, the gift exchange begins at home, prolonging the magic and symbolism of Christmas Eve.
7. Christmas Yule Log
On the night of December 24th, in several locations, especially in Baixo Alentejo and Trás-os-Montes, it is traditional to burn the Yule log. This large bonfire is usually lit in central locations or in front of the church, gathering the locals before Christmas dinner. After exchanging gifts at home, many return to the bonfire to continue the celebration. The tradition, aside from being a social gathering, also serves to warm the body on the chilly December night.
These and other traditions make this time of year one of the most special, not just for family reunions but also for the shared experiences and the influx of visitors in the streets of the Algarve, who choose the region to spend their Christmas. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas.