New Year’s is a significant event celebrated globally, including in Portugal. But what does it symbolize in Portugal, and how is it celebrated on December 31st and January 1st?
How is New Year’s Eve Celebrated in Portugal?
On December 31st, most shops in Portugal close early or remain shut, similar to Christmas Eve. This allows people to celebrate New Year’s Eve, known as ‘Passagem de Ano’ or ‘Reveillon.’ The evening typically starts with a family dinner, after which people celebrate in various ways. Some stay with family, others attend parties at friends' houses, and many go out to watch fireworks and enjoy live music organized by municipalities. Another popular option is attending events at restaurants or venues, which include dinner and drinks, though these can be pricey.
New Year’s Traditions in Portugal
Portugal, with its rich history and culture, has many longstanding New Year’s traditions:
Wearing Blue Underwear
- Believed to bring good luck and harmony, many people wear blue underwear on New Year’s Eve. It’s also common to give these garments as Christmas presents. Additionally, wearing new clothes and putting fresh sheets on your bed are thought to bring love and good luck.
Eating 12 Raisins
- As the clock counts down to midnight, people eat 12 raisins, making a wish for each one. This tradition, which started in Spain, has become very popular in Portugal.
Toasting with Champagne
- Champagne is used to toast the new year and help with eating the raisins. Keeping the cork until the following year is believed to bring good energy.
Getting into the New Year on the Right Foot
- Just before midnight, people stand on a chair or high platform and step into the new year with their right foot for good luck.
Making Noise with Pots and Pans
- At midnight, banging pots and pans together is believed to scare away evil spirits from the past year.
Kissing Someone
- The “New Year’s Eve kiss” is a tradition believed to bring good fortune and strengthen relationships.
The First Swim of the Year
- On New Year’s Day, many people take a swim at Carcavelos beach in Cascais or Vila do Conde near Porto, believing it purifies the spirit and strengthens the body.
Where To Celebrate
Lisbon
As the capital city, Lisbon is a prime destination for New Year’s celebrations, featuring fireworks at Terreiro do Paço and free concerts at Praça do Comércio from December 29th to January 1st.
Porto
Portugal's second-largest city offers private parties at nightclubs and bars, along with fireworks and concerts on Avenida dos Aliados.
Funchal
Known worldwide for its spectacular fireworks, Funchal in Madeira offers numerous options for dining, partying, and cruises.
The Algarve
Popular in the summer, the Algarve region also attracts tourists for New Year’s with beachside fireworks and concerts, especially in Albufeira, Faro, and Portimão.
Braga
Celebrations in Braga are centered in Praça da República, with stunning fireworks views from higher locations like Bom Jesus do Monte and the Sé Cathedral.
Wherever you choose to celebrate, Pearls of Portugal wishes you a joyous and responsible New Year!
