Culture

The theme on Jake's blog for this week's Sunday's post is Culture and I have decided to focus on some Easter traditions in Portugal.

Today's table of goodies (the photo doesn't do them justice)

When we lived in Zimbabwe we went to the local Catholic church on Sundays and as there was a large Portuguese community in our area, Easter Sunday was a magical day. I think it was even more special than Christmas because we opened our house to the Easter visit. The house was spic and span, the best tablecloth, china and glassware were bought out and there were special goodies on the table: a variety of small cakes, sugar almonds, and mom's pão-de-ló (a delicious sponge cake).

Bells announced the arrival of a specially dressed group of parishioners who brought a decorated Cross and Holy Water to bless us. After a short prayer and a sprinkling of Holy Water, each member of the household would kiss the feet of Jesus on the Cross. Then everyone would eat small cakes or pão-de-ló from the table and drink some Port (the kids had soft drinks).

Just one of the groups that covered this town today

Now, in 21st century Portugal, much has changed. There are certainly less practising Catholics than before. The Easter visit does not happen in the Algarve, as far as I know, but it still happens in many parts of the country. 

In my late parent's hometown, my cousins still put foliage and/or flowers outside their gate as usual to signal that they welcome the Easter visit.

Flowers at the gate welcome the Easter visit

For us adults some of the magic has gone as we remember the many family members who are no longer around to share the moment but that magic has been replaced by a better understanding of the symbolism of this tradition. And the goodies are still great!