Why Is Easter So Important in Portugal?
Portugal is a Catholic country with a rich history of faith, as evidenced by landmarks like Fátima and the Order of the Templars. Therefore, Easter holds a significant place in the Portuguese calendar as an important religious celebration.
17 Apr 2025
3 min reading
Portugal is a Catholic country with a rich history of faith, as evidenced by landmarks like Fátima and the Order of the Templars. Therefore, Easter holds a significant place in the Portuguese calendar as an important religious celebration.
Throughout Portugal, numerous religious events take place, starting on Palm Sunday and culminating on Easter Sunday. One of the most widespread and enduring traditions across the country is the “Compasso Pascal” or Easter Visit. This ritual, which dates back more than 500 years, likely originated in the Middle Ages.
During the Compasso Pascal, members of the parish leave the church carrying a crucifix and walk through the streets to bless homes. Residents wishing to receive the blessing leave their doors open and decorate their entrances with flower petals. Inside, they offer the visiting group drinks and sweets to contribute to the parish.
As mentioned, many traditions mark the Easter celebration in Portugal. One example is the Way of the Cross, or “Via Crucis,” observed in several regions like Braga. This tradition, whose name derives from the Latin “Via Crucis,” represents the path Jesus took to Calvary and is still practiced in honor of His suffering. Even in smaller villages, this custom remains deeply rooted.
In addition to these general customs, each region has its specific traditions:
- In Braga, in northern Portugal, a statue of the Virgin Mary is carried by a donkey in the procession. The city is adorned with flowers, lights, and purple decorations. On Good Friday, the most solemn procession takes place, during which participants, their heads covered with black hoods, carry a small boat symbolizing the body of Christ.
- In the Algarve, particularly in São Brás de Alportel, the Resurrection is celebrated on Easter Sunday with the “Hallelujah Procession.” Men and boys line the decorated streets in two rows, holding colorful flower torches and singing praises to Christ.
- In Castelo de Vide, Alentejo, Easter processions also include the blessing of lambs. On Saturday evening, locals gather for the “Rattle,” where they make noise using rattles of different sizes and volumes.
- In northern regions like Minho, villages such as Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima appoint a “Mordomo of the Cross.” This person is responsible for hosting a banquet and covering the costs of a communal Easter meal.
A particularly unique tradition is the Burial of the Codfish, a symbolic event full of cultural significance. Dating back to the 16th century, it mocks the Church's ban on meat during Lent, which left the poor to subsist on codfish. The funeral consists of three stages: the life and death of the codfish, the reading of its “will,” and its burial, accompanied by Chopin’s Funeral March.
Another widespread Easter custom is the tradition of godparents giving gifts to their godchildren. In the past, this was a “Folar,” a sweet bread symbolizing abundance after Lent. Today, godparents may give almonds, chocolates, money, or toys. Interestingly, the German tradition of the Easter Bunny has recently gained popularity in Portugal, thanks to modern consumer culture.
Easter in Portugal is a vibrant celebration of faith and community, blending deeply rooted religious traditions with regional customs and cultural expressions.
Gastronomy
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