Traditions, Lifestyle & Habits in Porto

A truly irresistible passion for various holidays and mass celebrations is one of the main national characteristics of local residents. Colorful carnivals, costume balls and parades occur here because of various reasons. Local residents don’t forget to honor numerous patrons of the city and its saints, so here are often organized fairs and pilgrimages to holy sites. As a rule, all festive activities are accompanied by dancing, musical performances, and fireworks. Of course, on these days local cafes become popular places as they offer widest choice of delicacies and special holiday menus.

"Big Fountain" holiday, which is celebrated on May 1, remains one of the most unusual festivals of the city. Due to the climate a fairly dry weather prevails on the territory of the country, so since ancient times the natives have developed traditions of honoring "gods of water". The main aim of such celebrations was to ask gods to give people a rich harvest. However, the holiday has changed with time, and so nowadays on May 1 residents of the city decorate their homes and fishing boats with wreaths of flowers, and celebrate "the renewal of nature". June 10 is the date of a national holiday - Day of Portugal, and October 5 is the time for another, but no less important celebration - Republic Day.

Local people have numerous interesting traditions that must be definitely followed during the celebration of important dates and events. As vine is known as one of the most important national symbols, the presence of grape on a holiday table has always been a good sign. On New Year's night, when the clock strikes midnight, it’s necessary to make a wish and eat a grape. If you do this, the locals believe your dream will come true. Many people wear special holiday clothes on the days of important holidays. As a rule, these are outfits that are skillfully embroidered with elaborate patterns. If you look closely, you can find something like a vine in these intricate patterns. Vine is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, so various images of the vine are used to decorate not only clothes, but also various interior items and furniture.

More about Porto:
Local cuisine and restaurants
Entertainment in Porto
What to visit in Porto
Porto tips
Cityguide to Porto
Porto photogallery