Christmas in Portugal is the main holiday during which Portugal families get together and rejoice. The Nativity Scene is the main Christmas decoration in most Portuguese homes. Portuguese usually don't decorate their homes with Christmas lights but nowadays the main streets of Lisbon are seen decorated with Christmas lights and decors.
But it is Christmas in Portugal countryside where it is more of a religious event. Families gather the best of their harvest and share it with others at the Parish Church.
Christmas get –together
On Christmas Eve in Portugal the family gathers around the Christmas tree and the manger. At midnight families attend a midnight mass called "Missa do Galo" (Rooster's Mass). They return home and have a special Portugese Christmas supper – "Ceia de Natal". The Christmas Eve supper consists of codfish with boiled potatoes and cabbage. Traditional fried desserts include filhoses or filhós made of fried pumpkin dough; rabanadas or French toast; and azevias round cakes.
Another traditional dessert in Christmas in Portugal is "Bolo Rei". Bolo Rei or King's cake is a wreath-like rich fruitcake laced with crystallized fruits and pine nuts. In the cake there are two surprises: one is a little present like a fake ring, or a little doll, or a medal. The other is a raw broad bean. Whoever gets this bean has to buy the "Bolo Rei" in the coming year.
Christmas Carols in Portugal
In some regions of the country, carolers sing Christmas carols called "Janeiras" in the streets. The Portuguese Christmas log, or cepo de Natal burns on the hearth all through the Christmas day while people enjoy a lingering consoda in Portugal. Consoda is a family get – together accompanied by a grand lunch. Delicacies include roast chicken, lamb or turkey.
Share more thoughts on Christmas in Portugal from Christmas Carnivals.
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