New Year’s Eve traditions in Portugal

Published on 19th December, 2023

If you’re looking to invest in a home in Portugal, you might be wondering about seasonal traditions and how Portugal celebrates New Year’s Eve.

One of the most iconic traditions here is to eat twelve raisins with a glass of sparkling wine or ‘espumante’ as the clock strikes midnight. Some say it’s a raisin for each stroke of the clock, while others claim it’s for each month of the year. Whatever your belief, make sure you consciously make a wish as you devour each of the twelve raisins!

The locals have a tradition of banging pots and pans together to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. This is one of the oldest superstitions in the world, believed to have originated before the Roman Empire. The objective is to scare away ghosts and evil spirits that may have haunted the previous year.

Fireworks are another tradition found throughout the country to keep evil away and for purification. One of the largest and most spectacular ‘fogo de artificio’ can be found in Madeira.

Weather-wise, it’s usually very pleasant with winter sun during the day and cooler at night. This year in the Algarve, for example, we expect around 18°C during the day, which is perfect for a stroll along the beach with a light jacket.

On New Year’s Day, you could always take a dip in the ocean. Not for the faint-hearted but, if you’re feeling brave, you can go to the beach and run into the ocean alongside others who also want a fresh if not chilly start to 2024!

So out with the old and in with the new… Old traditions and new adventures – why not make 2024 the year that you enjoy your new home Portugal. Contact us now to find out just how easy it can be on hello@PortugalProperty.com or call us on +351 308 800 878 or 0800 014 8201 free from the UK.

Ano Novo – Vida Nova!

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Published in: Guide to Portugal / Miscellaneous / Portuguese Life