Easter Traditions in Portugal
Even though traditions are mixing and spreading worldwide, there are customs that still remain intact and almost unknown to other countries.
In Portugal, Easter is one of the most popular dates for the population and this is due to the fact that it is one of the most religious countries in Europe. There are countless traditions that we can still find from North to South of the country. The folar, the processions, the compass, the lamb, the sweets and the delicacies, just to name a few.
From region to region, customs vary. Are you curious? Let’s see some of these traditions.
BRAGA
During Holy Week, Braga comes alive with one of the biggest celebrations in the city and receives thousands of visitors every year.
The city is filled with motifs alluding to the incense, altars, flowers, lights and purple bands, and celebrates Easter through different initiatives, of which the Burrinha Procession stands out - where the image of Our Lady is carried by a burrinha (donkey) - the process of the Carrying of the Image of the Lord of the Steps, Palm Sunday - composed of the mass, blessing and procession of branches - the Famous Procession of the Lord “Ecce Homo” or of the “Fogaréus” - that personifies the penitents and evokes the judgment of Christ - and the Pascal Compass.
In addition to religious celebrations, the city offers numerous socio-cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions.
Even though traditions are mixing and spreading worldwide, there are customs that still remain intact and almost unknown to other countries.
In Portugal, Easter is one of the most popular dates for the population and this is due to the fact that it is one of the most religious countries in Europe. There are countless traditions that we can still find from North to South of the country. The folar, the processions, the compass, the lamb, the sweets and the delicacies, just to name a few.
From region to region, customs vary. Are you curious? Let’s see some of these traditions.
BRAGA
During Holy Week, Braga comes alive with one of the biggest celebrations in the city and receives thousands of visitors every year.
The city is filled with motifs alluding to the incense, altars, flowers, lights and purple bands, and celebrates Easter through different initiatives, of which the Burrinha Procession stands out - where the image of Our Lady is carried by a burrinha (donkey) - the process of the Carrying of the Image of the Lord of the Steps, Palm Sunday - composed of the mass, blessing and procession of branches - the Famous Procession of the Lord “Ecce Homo” or of the “Fogaréus” - that personifies the penitents and evokes the judgment of Christ - and the Pascal Compass.
In addition to religious celebrations, the city offers numerous socio-cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions.
LISBON AND PORTO
There are several activities that take place in the main cities of the country, which, although more recent, are already tradition. In addition to the folar and almonds, in several places there is the egg hunt or the visit of the Easter rabbit, in this case, traditions are more directed to children.
Both in Lisbon and Porto, the Easter workshops end up attracting many families, who increasingly choose to celebrate this date in a more fun way.
There are several activities that take place in the main cities of the country, which, although more recent, are already tradition. In addition to the folar and almonds, in several places there is the egg hunt or the visit of the Easter rabbit, in this case, traditions are more directed to children.
Both in Lisbon and Porto, the Easter workshops end up attracting many families, who increasingly choose to celebrate this date in a more fun way.
PORTUGUESE VILLAGES
It is a tradition in Portugal, especially in the villages, to offer godchildren a gift on Easter day. Children are usually given almonds or chocolate eggs. On the other hand, they must offer their godparents an olive or violet branch on Palm Sunday.
The doors of the house open to receive the Compass (visit of priest), to bless the houses and the families and to kiss the Cross, which symbolizes love to our neighbor. Families prepare the most varied and popular delicacies, such as sponge cake, folares, wine or liquor, symbolizing hospitality towards the priest and his companions. In many villages, Holy Week is also celebrated through processions, night vigils and representations of that time.
Folar da Páscoa (myth)
A traditionally sweet bread, most commonly flavored with fennel, and with boiled eggs inside. The bread is supposed to represent the bread at the Last Supper and the eggs inside are meant to represent rebirth and the resurrection of Jesus.
There is a legend behind the bread to. It says that there was a young girl Mariana who wanted to get married, so she prayed to Santa Catarina for a husband, however, two young men came into her life – both handsome. One was rich and one poor. So again Mariana prayed to Santa Catarina asking which one she should choose, and while she was doing so the poor man came to her door asking her to make a decision by Palm Sunday, and the rich man later did the same.
On Palm Sunday she was heard that young man were going to fight to the death over her, and when seeking Santa Catarina’s help with the situation she called out the poor man’s name. The day before Easter Sunday she was told that the rich man wants to kill her future husband – the poor man. Again Mariana sought for help from Santa Catarina. The next day Mariana found sweet bread with eggs on her table, later discovering both the poor man and the rich man found the same on their table, hence Mariana believed they were from Santa Catarina. From this day, the sweet bread became a symbol of reconciliation and friendship that is eaten around Easter.
It is a tradition in Portugal, especially in the villages, to offer godchildren a gift on Easter day. Children are usually given almonds or chocolate eggs. On the other hand, they must offer their godparents an olive or violet branch on Palm Sunday.
The doors of the house open to receive the Compass (visit of priest), to bless the houses and the families and to kiss the Cross, which symbolizes love to our neighbor. Families prepare the most varied and popular delicacies, such as sponge cake, folares, wine or liquor, symbolizing hospitality towards the priest and his companions. In many villages, Holy Week is also celebrated through processions, night vigils and representations of that time.
Folar da Páscoa (myth)
A traditionally sweet bread, most commonly flavored with fennel, and with boiled eggs inside. The bread is supposed to represent the bread at the Last Supper and the eggs inside are meant to represent rebirth and the resurrection of Jesus.
There is a legend behind the bread to. It says that there was a young girl Mariana who wanted to get married, so she prayed to Santa Catarina for a husband, however, two young men came into her life – both handsome. One was rich and one poor. So again Mariana prayed to Santa Catarina asking which one she should choose, and while she was doing so the poor man came to her door asking her to make a decision by Palm Sunday, and the rich man later did the same.
On Palm Sunday she was heard that young man were going to fight to the death over her, and when seeking Santa Catarina’s help with the situation she called out the poor man’s name. The day before Easter Sunday she was told that the rich man wants to kill her future husband – the poor man. Again Mariana sought for help from Santa Catarina. The next day Mariana found sweet bread with eggs on her table, later discovering both the poor man and the rich man found the same on their table, hence Mariana believed they were from Santa Catarina. From this day, the sweet bread became a symbol of reconciliation and friendship that is eaten around Easter.