Living in Portugal - Cultural & Social Life

The culture of Portugal is divided between the traditional, rural cultural events and the international culture of Lisbon. Portugal has its own theatrical tradition (revista) and also has many small museums and galleries with the best known being Gulbenkian foundation in Lisbon. This foundation also sponsors an orchestra.

Most towns have a cinema which usually shows English-language films with Portuguese subtitles.

The regions have their own fairs and festas. This tradition is probably strongest in the north where Celtic drums and bagpipes play and the villagers, wearing traditional traje (regional costume) dance in the Celtic fashion. The style of singing in the north and also the fado of Coimbra and Lisbon is "an acquired taste".

The people

People are usually reserved and understanding. The Portuguese are traditionally conservative and do not easily embrace change and innovation. The Catholic Church has a strong influence on people's lives. The family is the basis of Portuguese life. Life is simple, particularly in rural areas. The Portuguese entertain mostly on weekends.

Dining and entertainment

Food is family style. The guest of honour serves himself first. Fish is eaten with a special knife and fork. When finished eating place knife and fork (tines up) side by side on your plate. It is polite to leave some food on the plate when finished. 

When offered a drink by a colleague (coffee, soda, alcohol) accept it. In Portugal it is common to drink wine with meals.

Seafood is very popular with one of the best dishes being "caldeirada". Soups are especially good. Portugal is known for its excellent wines, the best known being Porto wine.

Smoking after a meal is quite normal in restaurants and in private houses.

There are good facilities for water sports, football, golf, tennis, gyms, health clubs, etc. in the main towns, where also are plenty of opportunities for cultural and artistic activities. Inland this is not the case.

Restaurants and bars

Restaurants are usually open from 12:00-15:00 and 20:00-23:00. Bars generally open from 22:00-04:00
and discos from 24:00-06:00.

Text last edited on: 01/07/2003

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
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