Dreaming of a Portuguese Christmas

Tired of the same old Christmas ideas? Why not add some Portuguese flair to your festive celebrations? Portuguese people are particularly proud of their ability to enjoy themselves and their Christmas festivities are no different.

In fact, the brightly coloured Barcelos rooster is considered to be the unofficial symbol of Portugal as it is seen to embody the renowned Portuguese love of life.

Lusito Association spokesperson, Noemia Contente, who is part of the Lusito Land Festival organising committee, says the Portuguese community in South Africa in no different to their European counterparts. “I think this ‘joie de vivre’ is built into our DNA and while Christmas is also a time to attend midnight mass, a great deal of emphasis is placed on food over the festive period.”

Most of the Portuguese festive celebrations occur on Christmas Eve and are largely a family affair. Supper or Consoada’ traditionally comprises bacalhau (codfish) with boiled potatoes and specially prepared cabbage, followed by mountains of mouth-watering, traditional desserts such as rice pudding or rabanadas (Portuguese French toast with a twist). After the meal, families attend the ‘Missa do Galo’ (midnight mass) where the nativity scene takes centre-stage.

Contente says prior to leaving for the service, some parents secretly place baby Jesus into their nativity scenes at home, as well as gifts under the Christmas tree. “There is much excitement after mass, because we get to open our presents afterwards. Many people put one shoe of each child next to the fireplace or chimney instead of a Christmas stocking.”

Christmas day is usually low-key. “People tend to sleep late and meet again later for another relaxed and delicious family meal,” adds Contente.

For those tempted to add some Portuguese elements to their Christmas festivities, why not consider these fun stocking filler ideas:

• Chouriço sausage
• Little ceramic rooster
• Portuguese wine
• Olive oil
• Pasteis de Nata (baked custard tarts)
• Peri peri sauce

Whether you decide to celebrate Christmas in Portuguese style or not, you can always immerse yourselves in everything Portuguese at next year’s Lusito Land Festival, which will take place on the 20th to 28th April 2019. “We wish all South Africans a beautiful and fun-filled Christmas,” concludes Contente.

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