Christmas Holyday(Natal)

Christmas in Portugal

Christmas Hollyday(Natal)

• Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed holiday, celebrated generally on December 25

• The traditional Christmas meal in Portugal is eaten during the evening of Christmas Eve and consists of codfish with green vegetables and boiled potatoes. This is normally followed by shellfish, wild meats or other expensive foods.

• After the meal, people go to church for the “Missa do Galo” or “Mass of the Rooster” service. During the service an image of baby Jesus is brought out, and everyone queues up to kiss it. It is then put in the nativity scene (the presépio) that every church will have. After the service people return home, and open their presents.

Tradicional Meals:

• Codfish with green vegetables and boiled potatoes.

• Cabrito assado - roasted goat

Tradicional Meals:

Desserts:

• king cake (bolo rei) a beautifully decorated fluffy fruitcake.

• Rabanadas- (golden slices), known as french toast - slices of pan bread, soaked in egg with sugar, fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Desserts:

• Pedro Marques

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