QUALITY OF LIFE You're Spring Guide to , what to do, where to go and things to see This is a guide to get to know better the main places and celebrations that take place in Portugal during the spring period INDEX

01 APRIL EASTER, APRIL 25TH

02 MAY LABOUR DAY, FÁTIMA

03 JUNE PORTUGAL DAY, SANTOS

Kleya | Quality of Life APRIL SPRING EDITION | APRIL CELEBRATING EASTER IN PORTUGAL

Easter is a period of the year when most of the people take some days off to visit family or discover new places. In Portugal, during Easter, we are already enjoying Spring weather which means that you will most probably find here excellent temperatures and sunny weather all over the country. Easter is, for definition, the most typical moment of the Catholic Church and in Portugal, you'll find a lot of cities and regions that embrace this moment on maximum exponent. Perhaps one of the most famous ones is the in the Portuguese region of Minho, at the city of Braga. Braga's Holy Week unites its modern image to the several public and private ceremonies loaded with Christian tradition. Their most relevant representations are processions, authentic recreations of the ceremonious Christian audience, with a remarkable mobilization and whose essence goes beyond the limits of belief, being a relevant tourist-cultural attraction. In addition to the processions, you are can attend liturgical nature ceremonies, which express the specificities of the Time of Lent and of the Easter Triduum, but also the rituals and traditions of Braga. The Cathedral is the most significant stage for these celebrations and a mandatory place for visitors while in Braga. Braga's holy week is a great excuse to get to know Braga's historic centre, renowned for its baroque churches, splendid 18th-century manor houses and beautiful parks and gardens. Being in Braga and not going to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, considered one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in Portugal, is even more unforgivable than going to Rome and not seeing the Pope. The neoclassical church, surrounded by magnificent gardens, was designed by Carlos Amarante in the late 18th century. The famous and tiring Baroque staircase winds until it reaches the church, with charming fountains and statues along the way.

Kleya | Quality of Life SPRING EDITION | APRIL CELEBRATING EASTER IN PORTUGAL

But if climbing 573 steps is not your cup of tea, don't worry, there is also a funicular, or you can drive to the top and enjoy the peaceful environment and splendid views. To replenish your energy, we recommend some of Braga's gastronomic specialities, and it is essential to mention Bacalhau à Braga, Narcisa or Minho. The roasted goat and the Pudim Abade de Priscos are also other must-haves. Going down to the Center of Portugal, we find the medieval village of Óbidos, one of the most picturesque and best-preserved in Portugal. The Holy Week in Óbidos is one of the best posters of the village, which runs from the 5th to the 12th of April. Every year, religious and cultural ceremonies attract thousands of people at this time of year to the village of Óbidos. These ceremonies are among the oldest in the country, with the Passos procession having more than 400 years of existence. Among the various events that Obidos organizes throughout the year, Semana Santa is the highlight of the liturgical and cultural calendar of the Vila, being an important religious event for the local community, as well as for the several thousand pilgrims and tourists who attend the imposing ceremonies.

Kleya | Quality of Life SPRING EDITION | APRIL CELEBRATING EASTER IN PORTUGAL

Every year the ceremonies have several classical music concerts, mainly of religious content, among other cultural activities. Close to the capital and situated on a high point, close to the Atlantic coast, Óbidos had strategic importance in the territory, since King D. Dinis offered it to his wife D. Isabel, in the XIII century. Within walls, we find a well-kept castle and a maze of streets and white houses that enchant those who pass by. Among Manueline porches, flowered windows and small squares, there are several reasons to visit, good examples of the religious and civil architecture of the golden times of the village. Any time is a good time to visit Óbidos, not only at Easter but it is also an excellent suggestion for a romantic or peaceful weekend. And if you include an overnight stay in the castle, then the setting will be perfect. In terms of local gastronomy, the fish stew of Lagoa de Óbidos stands out, accompanied by wines from the Western Demarcated Region. Another attraction is the famous Ginjinha de Óbidos, which can be enjoyed in several places, preferably in a small glass of chocolate. In addition to the Holy Week, a vast program of events brings animation to this village, the most popular being the International Chocolate Festival, the Medieval Market and the Christmas Fair. If you choose to spend Holy Week in Óbidos, discover the surroundings from the long sandy beach of Praia d'El Rey, passing through the city of Caldas da Rainha, and enjoy the sunset, by the sea, at Foz do Arelho beach.

Kleya | Quality of Life SPRING EDITION | APRIL CELEBRATING EASTER IN PORTUGAL

If you are in the South, you can also celebrate the Easter season in the However, the city of Loulé also has a lot to offer. Located 12 km away . In Loulé it is on Easter Sunday that the first moment of the from the Coast, the city of Loulé was able to retain the charm of other Feast in honour of Nossa Senhora da Piedade takes place: the Festa times while it developed and transformed into a commercial point of Pequena da Mãe Soberana, the starting point of what is considered the region. The historic center deserves to be explored, as well as its the most significant religious event south of Fátima. In the afternoon the celebrations begin from the small Chapel that welcomes this figure 13th century walls that offer views over the roofs and cobbled streets of worship and faith for the Louletanos – people of Loulé-, going down full of artisans that have given Loulé the reputation of the capital of the hill with the image of Our Lady towards the Church of S. Francisco. Algarve's handicrafts. The city's landmark is also its market, an On Easter Sunday, the descent of the Patroness follows an easy march impressive Arab-inspired building from the early 20th century. Its of profane organization, the fast march leading the heavy walk to the colorful stalls full of fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese and regional sweets Church of S. Francisco is just the beginning of the celebrations. are an excellent sample of the region's products. Speaking of gastronomy in Loulé, the flavors of the sea and the mountain are combined, the succulent dishes of the region vary between the During the fifteen days of your stay in this place, the novenas and sermons conducted by renowned sacred speakers make a religious sardines and the various seafood in Quarteira, in addition to the rabbit vigil of great spiritual power. At the end of the 15 days, the Festa and pork specialties typical of rural inland locations. Two other strong Grande da Mãe Soberana takes place, which attracts thousands of points on the Loulé's calendar are Carnival and the Annual Handicraft pilgrims to the city of Loulé, in a truly unique celebration in the Fair in July. . national context. Very well known in Loulé is its Coast, the "Golden Triangle", an area that includes the luxurious resorts of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura, where the golden beaches, elegant hotels, renowned golf courses, and the endless leisure and entertainment options make this one of the best vacation destinations in Europe. SPRING EDITION | APRIL APRIL 25th, THE DAY TO CELEBRATE THE IN PORTUGAL

The Carnation Revolution was one of the most important and remarkable events in the recent , that took place on April 25, 1974, the day when 48 years of dictatorial regime ended. At dawn on April 25, 74, military personnel from the MFA (Movement of the Armed Forces) occupied the studios of Rádio Clube Português to explain to the that they wanted the country to be a democracy again, without censorship, with elections and ... freedom! Radio Clube Portugês also played a crucial role in the Portuguese revolution, because the military waited that morning for the transmission of two specific songs, 25 minutes apart - E Depois do Adeus of Paulo de Carvalho and Grândola Vila Morena of Zeca Afonso. The radio emission of these two songs served as confirmation that everyone was ready and that the revolution could move on as planned. At the same time, a military column with tanks, commanded by Captain Salgueiro Maia, left the Escola Prática de Cavalaria, in Santarém, and marched towards . At 5.45 am the forces coming from Santarém arrived at Terreiro do Paço, later they would take positions with the ministries and then surround the Quartel do Carmo where Marcelo Caetano - the last President of the - had taken refuge. During the day, the population of Lisbon joined the military. And what was a coup d'etat turned into a revolution. At one point, a flower vendor started handing out carnations, the soldiers placed the carnation in the barrel of the rifle and the civilians put the flower in their chest, and that is why today we call it the Carnation Revolution. At the end of the afternoon, Marcelo Caetano surrendered, after several hours of negotiation led by Captain Salgueiro Maia, and handed over power to General Spínola. A year later, on April 25, 1975, the Portuguese voted for the first time in freedom in many decades.

Kleya | Quality of Life SPRING EDITION | APRIL APRIL 25th, THE DAY TO CELEBRATE THE CARNATION REVOLUTION IN PORTUGAL

So, if everything started in Santarém, this place is our perfect Another viewpoint that you cannot miss is the Liceu Viewpoint, passing by the wonderful Santarém Market, the already talked about and suggestion to celebrate this holiday or visit at any time of the year. One famous Escola Prática de Cavalaria and the Igreja de Santa Clara. Yes, of the best ways to get to know Santarém is through its cultural and in Santarém there are a lot of churches, especially considering the size artistic heritage. At the entrance to the historic centre, there is no way of the city. you can avoid the Sé Catedral is the main attraction. The Igreja da Santarém is the stage for several events throughout the year, starting Invocação de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, where the former Jesuit with bullfights much appreciated in the region, passing through the College was located, is one of the most important sacred monuments Fandango shows. In June, the National Agriculture Fair takes place as one of the most significant events in the region, with the display of of the Scalabitan heritage. agricultural products and tools, and a cattle fair is held. Part of this fair Leave until you reach the Diocesan Museum, distinguished with the is also the local gastronomy, bullfights and musical shows. In October, it is the turn of the National Gastronomy Festival, the main "Europa Nostra 2016" award, an annual European Union award for gastronomic show in the country where you can be delighted with cultural heritage. On the way, stop at the Bijou pastry shop and specialities from all over the country. accompany a coffee with a Celeste de Santa Clara, a Pampilho or any other conventual delight from Santarém. Go along Rua Capelo, Rua Throughout the year, Santarém is very strong in terms of gastronomy Ivens or Rua Miguel Bombarda to the Santuário do Santíssimo Milagre. from the Tagus river fish, where fried or stew eel, shad's "açorda" or Pass by the Igreja da Misericórdia and observe the magnificent Pipe lamprey stand out. Also being an area with a lot of wild cattle, the meat Organ installed in 1818 in a frontal position for the altar. Take also a stew is a speciality, the soup from the stone or the Migas Ribatejanas. look at the Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Graça, an example of Of course, all these wonders have the right wine to accompany, and in Almeirim, Cartaxo, Santarém, Chamusca and Coruche are the leading Portuguese Gothic where we find the tombstone of the discoverer of producers, integrated into the Ribatejo Wine Route. If you are looking Brazil, Pedro Álvares Cabral. for a truly local experience, Taberna do Quinzena is one of the most famous and cherished restaurants, by the locals. Also, try TasCá, Casa Culminate this walk-in Jardim das Portas do Sol where you can be dos Torricados or Taxo and we promise you. dazzled by the view of the Tagus River, from the walls.

Kleya | Quality of Life MAY SPRING EDITION | MAY THE SANCTUARY OF FÁTIMA AND ITS RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

The Sanctuary of Fátima holds the most significant religious attraction in the country, with two meaningful celebrations in May and October, the period between which the Marian cycle took place and consisted of six apparitions of Our Lady in 1917. On May 13th, 1917, the first apparition of Our Lady who asks Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco to go to Cova da Iria, every day the 13th, for six months in a row, at the same time pray the Rosary every day, for war (First World War 1914-1918 ) to end and to the world know peace. At the end of these 6 apparitions, Our Lady asked them to build a church in her honour, in Cova da Iria, where the Sanctuary of Fátima is now located. Currently, this is one of the times when Fátima is most visited, not only by the Portuguese but also by foreigners. The international fame increased during the papacy of John Paul II, who was a devotee of Nossa Senhora de Fátima, in 1982 he came for the first of 3 times to Fátima to give thanks for having survived an attack a year earlier. In 2000, on his third visit, he announced the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco, to whom the Vatican attributed the miracle of a cure. In the month of May, the celebrations begin on the 12th, with several masses, presented in several languages so that all pilgrims can follow the celebration, culminating in one of the most important moments - the Procession of the Candles, on the night of May 12th, when thousands of candles fill the great square of the Sanctuary, granting this moment a magical atmosphere of communion and religious devotion. Also, as impressive, is the Procession of the Goodbye on the 13th, culminating the celebrations at the Sanctuary of Fátima. SPRING EDITION | MAY THE SANCTUARY OF FÁTIMA AND ITS RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

But if you don't like large crowds, beyond 12th and 13th of May, every year, all other days are good for visiting this point of devotion. In Portugal, pilgrims begin their journey walking towards Fátima form many locations in the country, close or far, following roads and rural paths. Four paths to Fatima were identified, signposted on the ground, to facilitate this annual movement of pilgrims - Caminho do Tejo, Caminho do Norte, Caminho da Nazaré and Caminho do Mar - which can be easily followed even by those who know the region poorly. But of course, you can also take these paths by car.

The important thing is to go and not how you got there. Even if you are not a believer, you will not be indifferent when you are in the Sanctuary of Fátima, for its grandeur, the spirituality you sense and of course the symbolism.

In Fátima, in addition to the Sanctuary, you can also visit the Museum of Sacred Art and Ethnology, the Wax Museum, the Fátima 1917 Museum and the Animated Nativity Scene and Village. About 2 km away is Aljustrel, where Francisco, Jacinta and Lúcia lived. To reconstruct the history, you can visit Loca do Anjo and Valinhos.

If you have time and would like to know the region, we suggest a visit to Leiria and a trip along the coast between the beaches of São Pedro de Moel and Nazaré. In the region, you can also visit two monuments classified as World Heritage - the Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça. And look for the wonderful conventual sweets typical of the region, in Alcobaça, at the Alcoa pastry shop, one of the most famous in the country, which already has some franchises in Lisbon. JUNE SPRING EDITION | JUNE 10TH OF JUNE CELEBRATIONS, DIA DE PORTUGAL

Every country in the world has its a national day. In Portugal, on the 10th of June, we celebrate Portugal’s day, Camões and Portuguese Communities. The reason why we celebrate our national day on the 10th of June is that the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões passed away on the 10th of June of 1580. SPRING EDITION | JUNE 10TH OF JUNE CELEBRATIONS, DIA DE PORTUGAL

SO, WHO WAS LUÍS DE CAMÕES, COMMONLY KNOWN AS CAMÕES? Camões is for sure, a Portuguese literary icon. He wrote the The 10th of June celebrations were only suspended within the 1974 masterpiece “Os Lusíadas”, an epic poem that celebrates the revolution period because, during the Portuguese dictatorship period, Portuguese Historical achievements, in the 15th century, a time when between 1963 and 1974, some values were celebrated on this day that Portugal was one of the greatest nations of its time, due to the the revolutionary movement wished to abolish from Portuguese explorations that were made into the unknown waters of the Atlantic society. In 1978 the celebrations of the 10th of June returned and Ocean. The discoveries achieved during the 15th Century by continue to be celebrated today. Portuguese sailors gave Portugal the chance to build, at that time, the In Portugal, each year the celebrations of the 10th of June happen in a Portuguese Colonial Empire. different area of Portugal. The Portuguese President is the central The Portuguese Colonial Empire was composed by the overseas figure of the celebrations. Other important figures are normally colonies and territories conquered by Portugal during the 15th present during the official ceremonies, as the Prime Minister, century. This empire was one of the longest-lived empires in the Ambassadors, and other relevant characters invited every year, that world’s history, as it remained for almost six centuries. Our ancient normally receive an award from the President acknowledging their empire started at , in the north of Africa, and ended in Macau. role in the Portuguese society. Besides several speeches during the The handover of Macau to China happened in 1999, officially signalling ceremony, a military parade, exhibitions, concerts, processions and the end of the empire. the awards ceremony are the main moments of the official Nowadays, on the 10th of June, the Portuguese Communities that celebrations during this holiday. In 2020, the Portuguese President has made part of the ancient also celebrate this date. decided to take the official celebrations to our pearl of the Atlantic, the Especially those countries that are still today Portuguese Community Madeira island. Language Countries – mainly the countries where the populations speak Portuguese- Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé e Principe. The 10th of June is also considered as a holiday in these countries. SPRING EDITION | JUNE SANTOS POPULARES CELEBRATIONS

When you go out in June, in Portugal, you will find traditional street parties, music, dancing, grilled sardines and lots of entertainment. The reason is that June is the month of the "Santos Populares", with festivals all over the country celebrating Santo António, São João and São Pedro, celebrated in all the cities. Still, each city has one Saint they celebrate in particular. In Lisbon, it is Santo António, in Porto São João, and São Pedro is particularly celebrated in Évora and Sintra. There are many popular street parties celebrated throughout the country, but these celebrations go on during the whole month of June, so you can enjoy all of them. During the first days of the month, it is possible to see several stages and stingrays being set up across the country. The first and opening street party takes place in Lisbon with the celebration of Santo António, during the 12th and the 13th of June. On the 12th, there are unique Weddings held in Lisbon. They are known as the Weddings of Santo António. Popular tradition says that Santo António is the matchmaking saint. This tradition of Santo António Weddings started in 1958 as a way to allow couples with economic difficulties to celebrate their wedding with the support of the community, with the blessing of Santo António. This tradition continues today, with dozens of couples participating in this initiative of the Lisbon Chamber and get married in the Santo António church or through a civil ceremony, followed by a party shared for all the couples that conclude with the newlywed’s parade at night. SPRING EDITION | JUNE SANTOS POPULARES CELEBRATIONS

On this night, many people go out for a walk, to eat, drink and dance At midnight, in the middle of the Douro River, colourful fireworks are in all the typical neighbourhoods for the whole night. June 13th is the lunched as well as some hot air balloons, in what is one of the most city's holiday, so people sometimes extend the celebrations until beautiful celebrations of all the Popular Festivals. morning. The popular parades of each neighbourhood march along The night usually extends also until the morning between sardines, a Avenida da Liberdade, filling that artery of the city with hundreds of glass of wine, a bifana and most revellers end up at the beach, to participants, music, colourful customs, with many people watching the watch the sunrise and a morning bath it is also very common. In parade. Already at dawn, the neighbourhood that wins the parade Oporto the São João waterfalls are also a tradition, which populates contest is revealed, and there is where the real party begins. The most the city (probably originated in the nativity scenes). They are built on traditional competing neighbourhoods of Lisbon are Alfama, Graça, public sidewalks or door sills, usually by children who typically collect Bica, Mouraria or Madragoa. In the medieval streets and alleys, Caldo donations for ornaments and clay figurines. The most well-known and Verde “cabbage soup” and grilled sardines are served, and people sing traditional waterfall is the one in Fontainhas. Another waterfall that and danced all night. One of the highlights of the 13th night deserves a visit is the one of Avenida dos Aliados, next to the celebrations is the Santo António procession, which begins in the Municipal Chamber of Porto, which is built as a kind of labyrinth to be church of Santo António located in Alfama, next to the Cathedral, wandered by visitors. where this saint was born, and goes all around near neighborhoods. Approximately 10 days later it is time to head north and celebrate São João, in Porto. You can expect an identical party in terms of colour and joy throughout the more traditional neighbourhoods, such as Miragaia, Fontainhas, Ribeira, Massarelos and others. But in addition to dancing, Porto has other traditions, formerly revellers used to beat leeks on the heads of other revellers. Today plastic hammers are used for the same purpose. Fireworks are also a tradition in this popular event in Porto. SPRING EDITION | JUNE SANTOS POPULARES CELEBRATIONS

São Pedro is celebrated on June 29th, the last popular saint to be celebrated in Portugal, and therefore the last opportunity to participate in a popular festival of this kind: an experience not to be missed. Being a holy fisherman, São Pedro is mainly celebrated in fishing areas. In Sintra, the protector of the fishermen is celebrated with several free festivities, with the highlight being at the Largo de São Pedro, among febras, sardines and traditional sweets such as travesseiros and queijadas de Sintra. In Évora, the date assumes honours of City Day and municipal holiday. In Évora they also celebrate São João as one of the biggest celebrations in the South of Portugal. In Póvoa do Varzim, swoops take the streets dressed in local costumes, showing their thrones to the saint of their devotion. The Festivities of Espada Preta and Ribeira Brava also honour São Pedro in Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, and, in the Azores, it is in Pico and São Miguel that the animation has a place. In many places, there is a tradition of jumping over a firepit and also an offering a Manjerico to a loved one.