New Year's Eve Traditions in Portugal

Portugal is a country of old customs and traditions, which are very dear to us and lived intensely specially during nostalgic periods. New Year’s Eve is definitely one of them. Below you’ll find some of the most curious facts about how the Portuguese spend this special night.

NYE is time to reflect about the past and look forward to the future

The period between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is kind of a limbo. Let’s be honest, the ones that are at work are just playing pretend because we all have our heads up in the clouds.
The short period that precedes NYE is all about cherishing the good times, evaluating the impact of the hardships of the year that has just gone by, reassessing and planning ahead.
​All in all, it’s time to reflect about the past and lift the chin up to the future. The constant are family and friends, who are always present.

What Portuguese do on NYE

Well, that’s no news... We gather and we eat. You should know by now that we take in every opportunity to sit together around a table filled with “artery-clogging hazards” (aka Portuguese typical dishes and desserts). 
Codfish, lamb, turkey, meat loaf, stuffed pork loin… each home chef displays at the table their skills in the kitchen and everybody rejoices. To end the meal there are many Christmas classics and other sweet treats.
Read the post we wrote explaining why Portugal is a Foodie and if you have a sweet tooth don't miss our Best Christmas Desserts. 

NYE Portuguese Superstitions

They might be pointless, nonsense or even a bit crazy yet we all know someone who follows them to the dot. 
​The most common tradition is eating a raisin (and asking for a wish) for each of the last 12 chimes of the year. There are many more though, such as jumping from a chair whilst holding money, wearing a new piece of clothing and blue underwear, banging pot lids against each other and making a lot of noise, going for a dip in the ocean… They’re intended to bring good luck, fortune, love and financial aid, so why not give them a try?

NYE is a party after all

A party doesn’t end without the classic toast with champagne and fireworks. From the smaller villages to the main cities there are firework shows that light up the sky and homes are filled with laughter, best wishes and "tchim-tchim”!

---

If you still haven't subscribed to our newsletter don't start the new year on the wrong foot...