(1) Christmas traditions in Portugal include celebrating Midnight Mass ("Missa do Galo") on Christmas Eve to commemorate the birth of Jesus, as well as following old traditions such as displaying Nativity scenes and more recently adopting the Christmas tree. (2) The traditional Christmas Eve meal consists of boiled codfish and potatoes while Christmas Day features roast lamb or turkey, along with seasonal desserts like Bolo Rei cake. (3) Saint Nicholas is also honored as the inspiration for Santa Claus, with children in Portugal once receiving gifts on Saint Nicholas Day in early December.

1. Christmas Traditions in
Portugal

2. Christmas is the celebration
of the birth of Jesus and it is
one of the most important
celebrations for the Catholics.

3. This tradition started in 1233 as a way to represent the Birth of Jesus.
The figures of the Nativity Scene are also used to represent other scenes from the
time when Jesus was born and many people use them
in their homes during the Christmas season.
Some public places also use the Nativity
Scene during this season, but the Christmas
Tree is gradually replacing this tradition.

4. The first references to the Christmas
tree in Europe go back to the
16th century.
The tradition was slowly
introduced in the Catholic
countries
In Portugal the Christmas Tree was
not welcomed until the 50’s.
In rural areas it was totally ignored
Nowadays, it is present in almost
every Portuguese home during
Christmas!

5. The Midnight Mass – “Missa do Galo” – is the traditional mass
that
celebrates the birth of Jesus. It is celebrated on Christmas Eve
and
it was introduced by the Roman Catholics in the 5th century.
In Portugal it is called Missa do Galo, Rooster Mass, because it is
believed that the rooster was the first animal to announce
Jesus’s birth.

6. The story of Santa Claus is based on a true story. In the 4th century, Saint Nicholas
used to give presents to people. In some countries people used to get presents
on the 6th December, Saint Nicholas Day.
As the figure of a nice, white-bearded old man became more and more popular, Santa Claus
became very important, especially for children, who believe he brings
presents to them if they behave well.

7. Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, Portuguese people eat boiled Codfish with cabbages and
boiled potatoes. Octopus is also traditional in some parts of the country but as a side dish
On Christmas Day people usually eat meat – Roast Lamb or Turkey.
During this season there are also many traditional desserts, many of them are only eaten
Christmas: Bolo Rei (King Cake), Arroz Doce (Sweet Rice), Rabanadas and Filhós.

8. THE END
Students:
Mariana Pinto e Joana Mesquita