‘Tis the season… to spread misinformation about the origins of Christmas and Santa Claus! In this special holiday episode, Rui and Joel explore the food and other traditions of Christmas in Portugal, while featuring one of our latest Shorties, “a Consoada“. Boas festas a todos! 🎄
Ninguém Quer Esparguete Doce
Nobody Wants Sweet Spaghetti
Um Natal de Crescer Água na Boca
A Mouth-watering Christmas
This holiday season, a Practice Portuguese TV reporter takes to the streets to hear directly from Portuguese natives about their family Christmas traditions… until a particularly talkative woman steals the show!
O Azulejo Português
The Portuguese Tile
Today we learn about one of the most important symbols of Portuguese culture, found all over the walls and buildings throughout the country – azulejos (tiles). As always, we explore new vocabulary and grammar, and correct more of Joel’s “pronúncia de estrangeiro!”
A Rota da Cortiça
The Cork Route
In this episode, we learn about one of Portugal’s most important symbols and main exports: cork! We explore tons of new vocabulary, and later, for your benefit, Rui humbles Joel by tearing apart his pronunciation skills!
Supermix Interview (with Tatiana, Rui & Joel)
When we launched Diálogo 24 Um Café Em Lisboa (with our special guest, Tatiana from Brazil), it understandably created some controversy with our audience, who normally looks to us for European Portuguese content!
While most members loved exploring the differences between the two dialects, a few members were worried that we were losing our European Portuguese focus. (We’re not!)
To discuss why we occasionally expose our audience to Brazilian content and much more, Tatiana invited Rui & Joel to her radio program, Supermix (based in Italy), for a special interview. We also talk about other aspects of Practice Portuguese that you might have been curious about too! (Note: Some of Tatiana’s audio had to be re-recorded because of technical issues, so some editing was necessary. However, we’ve tried to retain the authenticity of the live interview as much as possible!)
Salvador Sobral Ganha Eurovisão 2017
Salvador Sobral Wins Eurovision 2017
Discover the beautiful ballad that unexpectedly swept Europe off its feet in the Eurovision 2017 song contest: “Amar Pelos Dois”, by Salvador Sobral. After 53 years of competing, this marks Portugal’s first victory ever! With the help of a special guest, Rui and Joel explore the meaning behind these Portuguese lyrics as well as what set this performance apart from all the rest.
Note: We only used a short clip of the song to avoid waking up the copyright police, so make sure to check out Salvador’s full performance with his sister, (and composer, Luísa Sobral): https://youtu.be/z5VUti3kVIo?t=4m13s
A Lenda Da Serra Da Nó
The Legend of Serra da Nó
We’re back with another classic Portuguese tale, this time with the story of a Moorish king after the heart of a humble, female shepherd. Will he win her heart, despite their different religious backgrounds? How will they survive when the Christians come to take over the castle and land? Listen and find out!
Natal e o Ano Novo
Christmas and the New Year
What could be better than a holiday episode in January? (Just about anything!)
Listen to find out what happened to Rui that delayed this episode… and be extra prepared for when the holidays come around again in about 355 days!
We also discuss some quirky traditions and superstitions that Portuguese natives take part in during the New Year. Feliz janeiro!
A Família Vai Ao Supermercado
The Family Goes to the Supermarket
Marco and Ana take their kids to the “supermercado”, giving us an opportunity to learn some new vocabulary surrounding food.
First, Rui reads the entire article all the way through, then Rui and Joel split the text into sections to discuss vocabulary, Portuguese culture, and useful expressions you’ll hear on a daily basis while in Portugal. Rui also corrects some of Joel’s “estrangeiro” pronunciation mistakes that you might be making too!
A Lenda da Rainha Santa Isabel
The Legend of the Queen Saint Elizabeth
Have you heard the legend of the “Holy Queen”, one of the most beautiful Portuguese legends? She tells us about a miracle, but the most important thing is the message of solidarity we are left with. (With the participation of Ana Coimbra and Rui Coimbra Sr.!)
Tradições de Natal
Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Portugal — the habits, the traditions, and the typical dishes. Discover everything in a two-speed text. Slow so you can understand, fast so you can practice!
A Lenda do Galo de Barcelos
The Legend of the Rooster of Barcelos
February 2017 Update: Wayne, the talented animator and good friend of Practice Portuguese, is back at it again with this animated reimagining of this formerly audio-only episode. Hope you like!
The truth works miracles. Discover how in another Portuguese legend.
Um Passeio de Carro Com a Avó ~ Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo!
A Car Ride With Grandma ~ Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!
Rui and Avó Odete drive around and talk about the best of Portugal, Christmas, and TAP strikes. She also reveals her grandmother’s secret use for soaps!
O Fado, Património Imaterial da Humanidade
Fado, Humanity's Intangible Patrimony
If you know Portugal, you’ve heard of Fado and you know what it means to the Portuguese. But how much do you really know about this traditional music? Test your knowledge about Fado and practice your listening comprehension in a two-speed episode, suitable for those who are starting to learn Portuguese.
O Joel Vai à Polónia
Joel Goes to Poland
Joel wants to travel in Europe and decides to accept a very interesting suggestion. Do you know this Polish city? What is your favourite European city?