Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers
Menu
  • News
    • Latest News
    • People
    • Travel
    • Writing
  • Pioneers
  • About
    • About
    • Gallery
    • Granny’s Treasure Chest
    • Associates
  • Library
    • Archive Search
    • Books
    • Documents
    • Magazines
    • Newspapers
    • Photos
  • Learn
    • Overview
    • Videos
    • Textbook
    • Assessments
    • Teacher Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Submissions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers
  • News
    • Latest News
    • People
    • Travel
    • Writing
  • Pioneers
  • About
    • About
    • Gallery
    • Granny’s Treasure Chest
    • Associates
  • Library
    • Archive Search
    • Books
    • Documents
    • Magazines
    • Newspapers
    • Photos
  • Learn
    • Overview
    • Videos
    • Textbook
    • Assessments
    • Teacher Resources
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Submissions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Search
Culture, News

Portuguese Christmas Traditions

posted by Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers
Dec 9, 2015 2298 0 0
Share
lisbon3
Bolo de Rei

With Christmas fast approaching, I’m going to take the opportunity to discuss some Christmas traditions part of Portuguese culture.  The first, and arguably the most recognizable symbol of a Portuguese Christmas, is the Bolo de Rei (King’s Cake). This cake is a variation of the “traditional” holiday fruit cake known to many, and is made with nuts and dried fruits of various colours, so as to resemble a king’s crown. A single fava bean is placed inside the cake, symbolizing a gift to Jesus.  However, the person who comes across the fava bean in their slice is required to buy or make the Bolo de Rei the following Christmas.

bacalhau natal
Boiled cod, egg, potatoes and greens

Another tradition is the feast of Consoada, held on the night of Christmas Eve. Although the dishes of this feast vary from region to region in Portugal, the most common would be boiled cod fish, egg, potatoes and vegetables, topped with olive oil and wine vinegar, followed by desserts such as arroz doce, rebanadas and filhoses. The extra food left over from Consoada is placed on plates around the table for the “souls of the dead”,

gastronomia_arrozdoce_web1to ensure that they receive good luck in the upcoming year. Following this feast, many Catholic Portuguese head to church at midnight with their families to attend the Missa do Galo. After mass, the family returns home to open up their gifts.  Some smaller traditions may include creating large nativity scenes by the Christmas tree, roasting chestnuts and spending the entire day eating and celebrating the holidays with family. Many Portuguese living in North America have worked to keep their traditions alive, so as to preserve them for future generations.

The main point of difference between Portuguese Christmas festivities and those in North American culture, is that importance is placed on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas Day. However, many Portuguese who have migrated to North America and who have grown accustomed to the culture, may choose to partake in North American holiday traditions as well .

Leana Rendeiro

 

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

Portuguese Christmas TraditionsPortuguese CulturePortuguese Heritage
Share
Post Author
Gallery of the Portuguese Pioneers

Previous

Florbela Espanca: a poetisa sofrida

Next

Beatriz Costa

Facebook

Video

Categories

  • Books
  • Culture
  • Events
  • History
  • kids
  • News
  • People
  • Slider
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • Uncategorised
  • Women
  • Women Pioneers
  • Writing

Follow Us!

You Might Also Like

Culture, History, News
Dec 13, 2017

Palestra na Galeria: Passados com Futuro: Notas sobre a preservação, estudo e divulgação da história de imigração no Canadá

No passado dia 6 de Dezembro, a Galeria dos Pioneiros abriu as portas ao Café e Cultura para uma importante...

Read More
0 0
Culture, News
Aug 12, 2013

Camoes Square Toronto Opening Day

On June 2nd, 2013 the Portuguese community of Toronto was proud to open the rejuvenated Camoes Square on College...

Read More
0 0
© Gallery of The Portuguese Pioneers
Back top