Learning a language is one of the best ways to connect with other cultures!
Ser Bilingue É Ser Multicultural
To Be Bilingual is to Be Multicultural
Um Domingo Numa Mesa Portuguesa
A Sunday At A Portuguese Table
Teresa and her son Adriano enjoy their usual Sunday lunch together.
Christmas in Portugal
It’s almost that time of the year again! Whether you’re experiencing Christmas in Portugal firsthand or celebrating from afar, we want to share a number of our favourite resources to help you learn and communicate about the holiday season.
São Martinho
Saint Martin
Learn about the legend and traditions behind the holiday of São Martinho.
Kissing Etiquette in Portugal
To Kiss or Not to Kiss? There’s more to Portuguese greetings than just what you say, so let’s talk about the cultural aspect as well, plus some other phrases that may come up during introductions. There is quite a bit of variability in appropriate greetings within different contexts, so you can’t rely on any strict […]
Guide to Portuguese Fish
With almost 1000 km of coast (not even counting the islands) and at 200 km wide, it’s only natural that Portuguese cuisine contains an abundance of fish dishes. We are, after all, the country that eats the most fish per capita in Europe! The most emblematic Portuguese fish is , which has been part of […]
Feiticeiros ou Universitários?
Wizards Or College Students?
Have you ever seen young people in black cloaks walking around the streets in Portugal? Learn about the origin of this tradition and how it inspired a very famous author.
Cortiça
Cork
Did you know that Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork?
O Jardim da Sereia
The Mermaid Garden
A hidden gem in the center of Coimbra, Sereia Garden is a beautiful park filled with interesting sculptures, many species of trees, and its fountain, an integral part of a long-standing university tradition.
Ouro Líquido… ou Azeite?
Liquid Gold... or Olive Oil?
Olive oil is produced extensively in Portugal and has been an integral part of the history and culture. You’ll be surprised by the number of diverse uses for this precious oil. Here’s a longer Shorty for you (a Longy?) at about 8 minutes!
Simone de Oliveira
Simone de Oliveira
Learn more about Simone de Oliveira, an iconic Portuguese singer and actress, who is known for her strength and boldness in the face of adversity.
Liberdade em Portugal
Freedom in Portugal
The 25th of April is Portugal’s Freedom Day! Learn more about the revolution that restored freedom to the people of Portugal.
Os Azulejos Portugueses
Portuguese Tiles
If you’ve ever been to Portugal, you have certainly noticed the beautiful tilework that covers many of the buildings throughout the country. Learn more about how these “azulejos” have played a role in the history and culture of Portugal.
A Páscoa
Easter
Easter is widely celebrated in Portugal as a time for the family to get together and enjoy an abundance of delicious food. Learn more about the history of the holiday and how it is observed today.
A Calçada Portuguesa
The Portuguese Sidewalk
“Calçada portuguesa”, also known as Portuguese mosaic, refers to the decorative cobblestone patterns you see lining the sidewalks throughout the country. Learn more about this impressive pavement art that has become a trademark of Portuguese cities.
O Fado
Fado
Learn more about Fado, the music style that best captures what it means to be Portuguese.
O Famoso Carnaval De Torres Vedras
The Famous Torres Vedras Carnival
Welcome to Torres Vedras Carnival, a lively festivity that remains faithful to the tradition of celebrating Carnival in Portugal. Learn more about how the Portuguese like to party during this exciting multi-day event!
A Dor de Sentir o Fado
The Pain of Feeling Fado
Fado is a Portuguese musical style loved by people from all over the world! Learn more about its themes and possible origins.
O Ano Novo
The New Year
Feliz Ano Novo! Find out how the Portuguese like to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
O Bolo Rei Tradicional
The Traditional King Cake
There’s a story behind Bolo Rei, a colourful cake that is always present at Christmas Eve dinner. Discover the meaning behind each component of this festive treat!
Ninguém Quer Esparguete Doce
Nobody Wants Sweet Spaghetti
‘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! 🎄
A Consoada
Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner is a sumptuous meal that brings the whole family to the table for socialization and celebration. Learn more about the treats and traditions of Christmas Eve in Portugal.
Idiomatic Expressions 1
, or idioms, are expressions that you shouldn’t interpret literally. Portuguese idioms have a symbolic meaning, which is rarely maintained upon literal translation into other languages. These expressions reflect the customs and history of the country and are part of all conversations of the Portuguese, rich or poor, from North to South of Portugal. They […]
As Danças De Portugal
The Dances of Portugal
Portugal has several traditional folk dances, each expressing the soul of the people from different regions throughout the country.