Easter in Portugal: a good time for visiting?
Written by delinete-rocha on Sept. 3, 2021, 3:52 p.m.
The answer is yes. Whether traveling with kids or on your own, Easter is a great time for visiting Portugal.
Why? Because of the warmth of the season’s sunny days. Being outdoors, between the blue sky and the luxuriant spring fields, is a joy in itself. Therefore, perfect for replenishing vitamin D levels and lifting the spirits.
Moreover, there is an array of Easter celebrations, happening all over the country. This, along with the diverse regional festive food, is sure to provide good fun on the cultural front.
Easter in Portugal is BIG!
On ordinary days, Portugal may not come across as a particularly religious place. On Easter, however, the Holy Week processions may cause the opposition impression. In spite of the exuberant catholic rituals, though, the focus is on the family and the community, regardless of the faith.
Besides, the particular way in which Easter is celebrated in Portugal, differs from one region to another. These variations reflect the local cultural traditions, more than a religious conviction.
House blessings in Minho
In case you find yourself in Minho, extreme north of Portugal, you may notice the Compasso.
The Compasso is the Easter rite in which, the priest and a group of faithful, visit and bless homes in the area. Hosts, on their turn, traditionally serve a regional Easter cake, some Port wine and, sometimes, even cabrito – roasted kid.
Sunday lamb in the Alentejo
If you find yourself in the Alentejo, on the other hand, you may notice that lamb is the ultimate Easter symbol.
To this day, on Holy Saturday, the local shepherds bring their flocks to town, to be blessed and then sold. Whereas, local families, follow their own special lamb recipe for the occasion. This generally involves marinating the meat ahead, and then, cooking it ready on Easter Day.
Whichever family recipe is in use, the thorough preparation method is sure to pay back in a flavorsome and satisfying dish.
Flowers in the Algarve
The scent of rosemary, lavender and wildflowers fills the air in São Brás de Alportel, a small town on the Portuguese south coast. If you are in the Algarve however, you may wake up to find the town has been covered in fresh flowers, overnight.
On Easter’s Eve, locals beaver away to prepare the town ready for the procession of Easter Day. The streets are, literally, covered with a tapestry of fresh flowers. During the procession, the men walk the streets covered with a tapestry of flowers carrying, each, a tall flower arrangement, as if these were torches lighting their way.
Also from the Algarve, comes the most delicious Easter cake I have ever eaten: the Folar de Olhão. This is an aromatic and caramelized rolled cake, with a hard, dense dough, similar to a cinnamon bun. Only better.
On top of all that, there is always the Algarve’s warm weather and balmy sea water. So much so that, Easter break on the Algarve’s golden beaches, may feel like summer holiday to many.
On a finishing note, I really hope you can visit Portugal this Easter and tell me all about your own experiences. If you are looking for inspiration, have a look at our posts on Almodôvar and Tomar. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Published on Sept. 3, 2021, 3:52 p.m. by delinete-rocha
