last edited Dec 11, 2019
Culture and Customs of Portugal
Location Map of Portugal
Portugal
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Arts, Crafts, and Architecture
Arts
Crafts
Architecture
Museums
Customs and Traditions
Local Traditions
Etiquette
Dress and Behavior
Sensitive or Taboo Topics
Languages
The sixth most spoken language in the world, Portuguese is the country's official language. However, it is not the only one, as Portuguese Sign Language and Mirandese are also recognized, even though their number of speakers is limited.
In terms of foreign languages, English is widely spoken by young people and in tourist areas, as is Spanish, especially near the borders with Spain. French is also fairly common, partly because many Portuguese people have ties to France.
Glossary
A few useful local words and expressions to know while traveling:
Festivals and Events
Public Holidays
January 1: New Year’s Day
February: Carnival
March-April: Easter and Good Friday
April 25: Carnation Revolution (anniversary of the end of the dictatorship on April 25, 1974)
May 1: Labor Day
May 13: Our Lady of Fátima
May-June: Corpus Christi
June 10: National Day (anniversary of the death of the poet Camões in 1580)
August 15: Assumption
October 5: Republic Day (established in 1910)
November 1: All Saints’ Day
December 1: Independence Day (restored in 1640)
December 8: Immaculate Conception
December 25: Christmas