National traditions of Portugal. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Since ancient times, Portugal with its beautiful location, comfortable climate and fertile soil has attracted numerous “guests”. The region was conquered at different times by the Arabs, Roman soldiers, flocks of Catholics from France and Germany. Being under the African, partly South American influence as well as domination in the vast sea territories has significantly affected the current mindset of inhabitants. 

The cultural characteristics of the people in many ways, is largely due to the interaction with different nationalities, while there are features common to all of the Confederate world. The Portuguese have respect for cultural values, and revere the family as the main component of a happy life. Most people in the country strive to get married around the age of 18 and then have a few children. The family structure traditionally includes numerous close and distant relatives: grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles. In general, the Portuguese considered the family the center of their small universe, respecting and honoring each other. 

Active and cheerful, the Portuguese respect celebrations and festivities. Fourteen public holidays are celebrated in the country with enthusiasm and fun; they include religious and secular memorable events. A special place is given to the veneration of local saints, which numbers over a hundred in the country. Easter and Christmas celebrations are characterized by their loud and bright nature, with a special fervor. They are accompanied by a procession in extravagant carnival attires. They also organize fair activities, mass celebrations accompanied by stormy dances and songs. The feast is traditionally carried out magnificently, with an abundance of dishes of national cuisines and a large number of the world-famous Portuguese drink – “Port Wine”.  Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Unique in its kind, the song “Fado” has survived from the era of the Middle Ages. Under the accompaniment of guitar it sounds unhurriedly and calmly. It draws its inspiration from the yearning of people in love. Known in every locality, it tells the story of distant travelling sailors. 

The traditional kind of craftsmanship in Portugal is “Azulezh”, which is a ceramic tile with unusual patterns. Crafted with love and attention to details, this piece of art is a symbol of the country. The country’s famous national holiday – the Porto Queima das Fitas “burning the ribbons”, was first celebrated in the 19th century. Nowadays, young people especially those who have just recently graduated from educational institutions on this day, take to the streets in celebration singing traditional “Fado” serenades. This holiday festivity is organized with concert programs, parades, numerous joke renditions and comic parodies of favorite teachers. 

The Battle of the Bulls is the traditional entertainment of the Portuguese since the Middle Ages. The modern bullfight is a voluntary event in which brave volunteers fight with an enraged bull. Competition winners become national heroes for the Portuguese people. This testifies to the unabated popularity of this sporting event. 

Indigenous Portuguese till this day, respectfully preserve the cultural traditions developed by many generations of her people. The distinctive traits are; being hospitable, courteous, and applying self-restraint when dealing with strangers. Such a manner in no way precludes the ability to genuinely be happy for friends and strangers. Every foreigner is very much welcome and should without reserve seek for assistance when necessary. 

For a long time the people of this country dutifully revered religious traditions. Among the forefront are the adherents of the Catholic faith who do not miss church services and gatherings. Every city in the country is rich in temples and monasteries. Religious holidays are celebrated magnificently throughout the sunny Portugal.