Catholic Christmas

NatalPortugal has a very strong Catholic tradition, and Christmas is the most important holiday here.

Portuguese trees are mostly artificial. The rooms are decorated with all sorts of beautiful New Year things, a Christmas wreath is attached to the front door, and a garland is hung on the balcony, which is lit all night long. Beautiful! In addition, on Christmas Eve, a Christmas flower Planta de Natal (Planta de Natal) with bright red leaves is definitely bought. Pai Natal (Pai Natal) looks like Santa Claus: in red and white robes, with a white beard.

For Christmas dinner, a traditional dish is prepared - boiled bacalau (cod). And the next day, December 25, Christmas dinner is covered (usually for dinner, children with grandchildren go to one parent, for example, to the parents of the husband, and for lunch the next day - to others, to the parents of the wife, so the composition of participants in the meal is different).

The main dish here is turkey stuffed with chestnuts. The main Christmas sweet is Bolo Rai. This is a kind of muffin with many large pieces of dry fruits, candies and nuts.

Since everyone celebrates Christmas at home, with children, relatives or with friends, on December 24 and 25, almost all restaurants are closed, it is natural for the Portuguese to celebrate the holiday with loved ones at home. Christmas holidays for schoolchildren last 2 weeks.