Discover the Magic: 9 Enchanting Fun Facts About Christmas in Portugal!

1. Viking Cod Connection

Who needs Santa when you've got Vikings delivering delicacies? The Portuguese have some Northern marauders to thank for their yuletide fare: Portugal gobbles up 20% of the world's cod supply, thanks to an ancient fish-preserving technique passed down from the Vikings, which grew in popularity as seafarers required long-lasting, nutritious, and budget-friendly sustenance on their voyages. Nowadays, Christmas in Portugal isn't complete without a delectable dish of "bacalhau" - salt cod boiled with potatoes, cabbage, and sometimes a mix of eggs and chickpeas.
Source => culinarybackstreets.com

2. Seafaring St. Nicholas

Ahoy there, landlubbers! Ever wonder why St. Nicholas always seems to have his sea legs? It's no coincidence – old Nicolau is a real seafaring saint in Portugal: Legend has it that St. Nicholas, known as "Nicolau" in Portugal, calmed a storm that threatened his ship during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, earning him the eternal devotion of sailors and even inspiring a maritime district in Porto, the São Nicolau.
Source => portorunningtours.com

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=> Fun Facts about Hispanic-Heritage-Month

3. Santa's Solidarity Mailbox

Who says snail mail is dead? In Portugal, it seems that even Santa Claus has a mailbox with a benevolent twist: Through CTT's Solidary Santa Claus initiative, underprivileged children pen their Christmas wishes, which are then posted online for anonymous sponsors to pick, purchase, and deliver to the Post Office, bringing festive joy and demonstrating the true spirit of giving.
Source => ctt.pt

4. Baby Jesus, the Portuguese Santa

Hold on to your stockings and double-check that sultry Baby Jesus in your nativity scene – things are about to get interestingly adorbs in Portugal: Instead of Father Christmas, the Portuguese believe that the Baby Jesus himself delivers presents to children on Christmas Eve, placed either under the tree or in their shoes by the fireplace, only after parents have sneakily tucked him into the manger during their 'Missa do Galo' church service.
Source => the-north-pole.com

5. Ghostly Seat Reservation

Who you gonna call when there's an empty seat at the Christmas table? Ghostbusters! Just kidding, it's actually reserved for dearly departed relatives in Portugal: Folks up north even leave a lit candle or lamp on the table all night, as a warm gesture to comfort the souls of family members who have passed away, demonstrating just how significant family ties are in celebrating the festive season.
Source => visitportugal.com

6. Wise Men's Shoebox Surprises

While folks in Portugal may not be reinventing the wheels of Christmas gift-giving, their Wise Men and camels sure know how to rock the shoebox: On Dia de Reis (King's Day), a traditional Portuguese Catholic holiday, children leave treats by their shoes for the camels of the Magi, and in return, receive sweets and cakes. Meanwhile, families gather to enjoy a festive meal reminiscent of Christmas Eve, with dishes such as cod and Portuguese King's cake or Queen cake to tantalize their taste buds.
Source => thesoundsofportuguese.com

7. Cosmic Chickpea-Potato Eclipse

Who needs the moon when there's a sweet Chickpea-Potato-Squash Eclipse to munch on in Portugal? Feast your eyes on this cosmic revelation: Portuguese "azevias" are half-moon shaped Christmas desserts, deep-fried and dusted with sugar and cinnamon, which harbor scrumptious fillings like sweet chickpea puree, sweet potato, or spaghetti squash, intriguing those with a palate yearning for adventurous sweets.
Source => theportugalnews.com

8. Óbidos' Tinsel Time Travel

In Portugal, where the hills are alive with the sound of Yuletide, a whole medieval village turns on the tinsel and indulges in some festive cosplay, taking role-playing to a whole new level: Óbidos' "Christmas Village," which comes complete with Santa's house, elves, reindeer, sparkly trees, snowmen, and oodles of twinkling lights, set behind a charming castle. All these enchanting elements make for a yulefest extravaganza – a smorgasbord of Nutcracker performances, magic and puppet shows, concerts, and circus spectacles, attracting families and wide-eyed kiddos alike.
Source => obidosportugaltourism.com

9. Fruitcake of Fate

Whoever said "life is like a box of chocolates" clearly never celebrated Christmas in Portugal, where life is more like a delicious fruitcake filled with nuts, surprises, and the occasional obligation: In this festive country, Bolo Rei is a traditional Christmas cake, containing not only fruits and nuts but also a hidden fava bean and a small prize, usually a toy. The lucky finder of the fava bean is then tasked with providing the cake for the next year's celebration, a delightful twist reminiscent of the English custom of hiding coins in Christmas pudding.
Source => wandercooks.com