Easter traditions in Portugal

• 11 April, 23

There are countless traditions that we can still find from north to south of the country. Some of the traditional sweets include the famous Folar, which is a bread that symbolises abundance after the fasting period of Lent, but it is also a way of sharing and keeping alive the Portuguese tradition. Folares are varied and exist in salty and sweet variations, other sweets include Pão-de-ló, almonds and chocolate eggs.

The Portuguese celebrate the week leading up to Easter Sunday which this year falls on the 9 April, additionally, there is a public holiday on Good Friday, 7 April. One specific Easter tradition is cleaning one’s home, a common habit across the country. In this period cleaning your house, especially in the Alentejo and the Algarve to receive the Easter visit, the “Compasso”, which symbolises the entry of Jesus Christ into the home, with the blessing of the priest who blesses the house and all who live there. To receive the “Compasso” (visit Pascal) one has to have at the table almonds and sweets, as well as liqueurs and Port wine.

Easter Sunday is a day of celebration and lunch usually includes meat, especially goat or lamb and traditional desserts. It is also tradition in Portugal, to offer a gift to your godchildren on Easter, of almonds, chocolate eggs or money. Children also usually offer their godparents an olive or violet branch on Palm Sunday. In many villages, Holy Week is also celebrated through processions and night vigils.

Cre: Portugalnews