Christmas :

In Consoada – New Year’s Eve begins with a relatively frugal meal: “Bacalhau” (cod) boiled with steamed cabbage and apples. It’s only after “a Missa do Galo” (the Rooster’s mass, as a rooster would have crowed after the birth of Jesus) – meaning midnight mass – that the gastronomic festivities begin.

A table of 13 desserts, all high in calories: Bolo Reis, Arroz doce, Filhós, Rabanadas, Doce de Alteria, Sonhos, Pão de ló, and other delicacies awaken the taste buds. There are also oranges, traditionally given to guests and children in modest families as gifts.

In the hearth, a large log of green wood is lit on the 24th. It was to burn a little each day until 6 January.

Lunch on the 25th is oven-roasted kid with “Grelos”, tender turnip greens, and the famous Christmas desserts…

New Year’s Day:

Are we being extremely superstitious? Here are a few Portuguese rituals.

Don’t forget to :

• Eat 12 sultanas at the stroke of midnight, making 12 wishes for the 12 months of the year!
• Choose your underwear colour to match your wishes for the coming year
• Wear something new
• Jump off a chair with a coin in your hand, shoe or pocket.
• Make a noise, bang a pan to scare off the evil eye!
• Toasting with ‘Espumante’ (sparkling wine, not everyone has it)