As elsewhere in the Old World, many tribes, peoples and conquerors were noted on the land of Portugal. Here the ancient Romans ruled, the Arabs ruled, the Visigoths imposed their customs and the British and French conquerors measured their military capabilities. Since then, a lot of water has flowed into the Atlantic from the Tagus River, but the modern traditions of Portugal are largely based on ancient customs, beliefs and preferences.
A good hundred
Portuguese people love the holidays. Perhaps because their life is rather harsh and ascetic, bright days are necessary to maintain a positive mood and confidence in the coming of better times. Almost a hundred holidays, most of which are local, urban, appear in the Portuguese calendar. As a rule, a celebration is a celebration of some saint - the patron saint of a village or town, whose name is also given to the church on the main square.
According to the tradition of Portugal, the most important national holidays are Easter and Christmas. Religious residents of the country attend church services and celebrate significant days with the whole family at generously set tables. The main dishes of the Portuguese are prepared from fish, because it is the fishermen who traditionally have been and remain here real men.
Music of the soul
A true Portuguese always carries fado music in his soul. This is the name of a folk song performed by national musicians in every local tavern or any restaurant. Accompanying himself on the guitar, the singer tells the world about his unfulfilled love or departed youth, and the musical style of fado is very reminiscent of the blues.
Another Portuguese tradition can be called music of the soul - to decorate walls of houses, temples and even metro stations with ceramic tiles of extraordinary beauty. The plots depicted on the tiles called azulejos can be of biblical or everyday themes. Often, the tiles are carefully painted with flowers, ships, unseen animals or scenes of sea battles.
Useful little things
- The main traditions of Portugal are hospitality and the desire to help others. Residents of this country willingly communicate with each other and guests, pay visits to neighbors and jointly celebrate holidays and significant events.
- The Portuguese live quite modestly in comparison with the rest of the EU members, but this does not prevent them from being cheerful and have an excellent sense of humor. You can joke with a Portuguese on absolutely any topic.
- It is customary here to respect women, give them their place, let them go ahead and show other signs of attention. When you are on a tour, try to keep this pleasant tradition of Portugal.
