1. Easter traditions in Portugal
In many places of Portugal Easter Week is also celebrated with candle processions
at night or with theatrical representations of the condemnation and martyrdom of
Christ. It is also a popular tradition to offer gifts to the godchildren. Godparents
usually offer a foliar to the
godchildren (or sponge cake,
almonds or money), who in turn
must deliver an olive branch to the
godfather or a branch of violets to
the godmother on Palm Sunday.
This tradition can also extend to
other family and friends of whom you especially like.
At Easter, the houses are cleaned (some are also washed / painted) to receive the
Easter visit, the Compass, which symbolizes the entrance of Jesus Christ into the
home, with the blessing of the priest who blesses the house and all those who live
there. Family people, friends and neighbors gather and kneel in the main room,
where the priest gives them the cross to kiss. In the end, everyone sits at the table
that usually has almonds, Easter candies, liqueurs and Port wine to offer to the
members of the Compasso.
In Lent, in the time before Easter, it is time for
fasting: it avoids eating meat on Fridays, out of
respect for Jesus Christ who was crucified on a
Friday. But Easter Sunday is already a day of
feast and resurrection, turning to eat meat like
lamb or lamb, in the image of ancient times.
Easter of folar
roast lamb
