The Civil Protection said on Friday that almost 190 people were injured in the last week due to forest fires in Portugal, reports JN. Four of these cases were seriously injured. 865 evacuations were held in Portugal due to the fires, but those in Santarem and Leiria have returned to their homes.
In Cumeada in the district of Santarem, 28 homes and garages were damaged.
A fire that started in Vale de Pia in Pombal spread to Ansiao in the district of Leiria, damaging at least 12 homes.
In Palmela, 12 buildings, five homes, and other tourism infrastructures were damaged.
In Faro in the Algarve, the large fire damaged four houses, four vehicles, 35 house gardens, and 13 infrastructures of agricultural support.
These are just some examples of the damage caused by the fire, with many more around Portugal.
As of Friday at 7 am, there were 13 active fires in Portugal, with 1,000 firefighters supported by 285 vehicles.
⚠️ Prolongamento da Declaração da Situação de Contingência até às 23h59m de domingo, 17 de julho, em todo o território do Continente. pic.twitter.com/XHrTVFnVH9
The state of emergency in Portugal has been extended until at least Sunday. There is a ban on:
Being in woodland areas, including forest, woodland, and rural trails
Burning garden and agricultural waste
Clearing agricultural land through burning
Using machinery in or near woodland areas (includes garden machinery)
Setting off fireworks of any kind
In case of emergency call 112. The authorities have also recommended drinking at least eight glasses of water daily and wearing loose clothing, as well as avoiding direct sun exposure and physical activity.
While Cristiano Ronaldo might be on top of everyone’s list, Portugal is known for a variety of topics from music and food to politics. One of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal has made its mark on the world, although it is often bypassed for other European countries. Now with over 27 million visitors every year, almost three times the population, it seems tourists are also starting to notice all that Portugal has to offer. From sports to art, here are 11 things Portugal is famous for.
Fado has a special place in every Portuguese person’s heart. In 2011, fado was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
Traced back to Lisbon in the 1820s, fado is a music genre with mournful tunes and lyrics, many times about the working class, missing someone, and sadness. In contrast to this melancholy is the rhythm of the Portuguese guitar – only introduced later in the history of Fado – which transmits life, cheer, and enthusiasm. Perhaps it is this contrast that makes Fado so special.
If you are looking to discover the fado culture, head to a “Casa de Fado” in Alfama in Lisbon. Alfama is the birthplace of fado and of the most famous fadista in the world, Amalia Rodrigues. There are many great options including Fado in Chiado, Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama. You can always also ask the locals where to go.
Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays a forward for Premier League club Manchester United and is the captain of the Portugal national team.
Over the course of his career, he has scored over 800 goals, making him the highest-ever goalscorer in the history of men’s soccer.
Along with other achievements, in 2021, Ronaldo clocked 32.51 km/h to become the fastest football player to do so in any match, in a game against West Ham.
You can visit a museum to celebrate the life of Cristiano Ronaldo. Founded in 2013, the CR7 Museum is located in his birthplace in Funchal, Madeira.
As the Portuguese saying goes, there are 1001 ways to cook cod, also known as bacalhau. Cod is a natural treasure, one that is connected to Portuguese history, from the Portuguese discoveries to the end of a fascist dictatorship.
The Portuguese consume over 100,000 tonnes of salted dried Norweigian cod, almost 10 kilograms per person every year. Shockingly, the Portuguese consume 20% of the world’s cod.
Portugal’s cod consumption began in the fourteenth century, but after the dictatorship, began mostly being imported from Norway. Today, most of the cod in Portugal is imported from Norway, known as o Bacalhau da Noruega.
Port wine is specific to the Douro region in the North of Portugal and was what made this region famous. It’s a fortified wine, usually a sweet red wine but also coming in dry, semi-dry, and white (and today, even rosé is available).
Under European Union law, only Portuguese wines from the Douro region are allowed to be legally labeled as “Port wine”. Although there are port-inspired fortified wines from outside of Portugal, this protects the tradition of the wine in Portugal.
Port wine is usually served as a digestif. You will usually taste the wine after a meal, accompanying dessert or cheese. However, tawny and white port is many times served as an apéritif, this is, before meals.
One of the warmest countries in Europe with mild temperatures all year round, Portugal has over 300 days of sunshine a year. This makes Portugal the perfect country to visit all year round! Winter can oftentimes feel like Spring and temperatures rarely fall below 10ºC.
However, keep in mind that temperatures vary depending on the location. Although you are always likely to find the sun shining, certain parts of the country are colder, windier, and rainier. The north of Portugal tends to be colder in the Autumn and Winter than the rest of the country, while the south is generally warmer.
Moreover, the archipelago of Madeira and the Azores, miles away from mainland Portugal have very different climates.
The nine islands of the Azores feature an oceanic, mild-warm subtropical climate thanks to its mid-Atlantic ocean location. It is common for it to rain in the summer and for visitors to face high humidity levels. In the summer and autumn, the Azores can even be impacted by storms and cyclones.
The archipelago of Madeira also experiences unpredictable weather. Temperatures are mild to warm all year round, but areas around the Madeira Natural Park experience frequent precipitations – intense rain and even snow in the winter.
Portugal is the biggest cork producer in the world and produces more than 50% of the world’s cork supply. Cork is part of everyday life in Portugal and is used in various materials such as wine bottle corks, clothing, shoes, furniture, and more.
Portugal is also home to the world’s largest cork forests, making up 34% of the world’s area of cork forests. The Amorim Family of Portuguese billionaire Américo Amorim made their multi-billion-dollar fortune in the cork industry.
Along with boosting the Portuguese economy, cork is sustainable. When harvesting cork, trees are not cut down and can be harvested every 9 years. However, a permit from the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture is required to harvest cork.
Fun fact – in 2014 cork fabric designer Teresa Martins created a complete cork look for Lady Gaga.
The city of Fatima in Santarem receives millions of religious pilgrims every year. Home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, why do so many Catholics visit this site?
On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary is said to have visited three peasant children, Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia. She visited the young children on the 13th for the next six months. She revealed to the children three secrets.
The three secrets were a series of apocalyptic visions and prophecies that the Virgin Mary revealed to the children. The first two secrets included a depiction of hell as a place where sinners’ souls burned, a prophecy of World War I, the outbreak of World War II, and the rise and fall of communism.
The third secret was only released in 2000 by the pope and spoke of the 20th-century persecution of Christians, leading to the failed assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II in 1981.
The sixth and final miracle, the Miracle of the Sun, occurred on the 13th of October, 1917. There are reports of over 70,000 people being in attendance. According to various witness accounts, the rainy sky cleared up, and the ground that was wet from the rain became dry. The sun appeared “dancing around” and “zig-zagging” in the sky within broken clouds, giving it the name of the Miracle of the Sun.
Whether you believe in the Miracle of Fatima or not, the city of Fatima and the Sanctuary of Fatima welcome atheists and those of various religions. The city has a lot to offer, from regional cuisine to museums, and neighboring villages to visit.
The Sanctuary of Fatima. Photo by Natacha de Hepcée (Unsplash)
Blue ceramic tiles from the 14th century decorate the streets, buildings, and monuments of Portuguese cities. They are so instrumental to Portuguese culture that since 2013, it’s been forbidden to demolish buildings with tile-covered façades in Lisbon to protect their cultural heritage.
Azulejo tiles are not just decorative, they usually tell a story and chronicle major cultural aspects of Portuguese history.
Traditionally, the azulejo told stories of Portuguese navigators and their voyages around the world. Churches also used azulejo to tell stories about saints, as being able to buy a book was a privilege to many.
We can’t take full credit though. Even though the iconic azulejo is Portuguese, the style has been heavily influenced by Islamic and Italian cultures.
You will find some of the most beautiful azulejo tiles in Portugal in Porto, Sintra, and Alentejo. Our favorite spot is in Porto, in the Sao Bento Railway Station. The station was built in 1903 and is covered with over 20,000 azulejo tiles, made by Jorge Colaço. His work covers an area of over 550 m2 and depicts important moments of Portuguese history including the Discoveries.
While Portugal is not known for earthquakes, on November 1, 1755, the capital was hit by the largest natural disaster in the history of the country. The Lisbon earthquake killed between 30,000 and 60,000 people, making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in history.
Modern seismologists estimate the Lisbon earthquake had a magnitude of 8.5 to 9, making it the largest known earthquake to impact Europe and northern Africa.
What led to the complete destruction of the city of Lisbon was not the earthquake itself, but the tsunami that followed. 40 minutes after the Lisbon earthquake, a 6-meter-high tsunami occurred in the harbor and downtown area, causing many to drown.
The force of the tsunami knocked over candlelit homes and churches, leading to large fires that burned for hours all over the city and asphyxiated thousands.
It is argued that the Lisbon earthquake led to the development of seismology. This was the first earthquake to be studied scientifically as it impacted such a large area, leading to the birth of modern seismology and earthquake engineering.
Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize all drugs on July 1, 2001. The law made drug possession for personal use legally prohibited, while drug trafficking remains a criminal offense. All drugs were decriminalized, including highly stigmatized drugs such as meth and heroin.
Today, Portugal has some of the lowest drug use rates in the European Union. Drug-related pathologies such as STDs and fatal overdoses decreased dramatically after the change in the law.
To solve the issue, the drug epidemic was deemed a public health crisis and the Portuguese government concluded that a punitive approach to drug addiction was inhumane and ineffective.
Portugal’s law has been celebrated worldwide as a model to follow, one that reflects the right of people suffering from drug addiction to access rightful treatment, rather than punishment.
However, keep in mind that this does not mean drugs are legal in Portugal. Possessing a specific amount of a drug could be considered drug trafficking and is considered a crime.
You might have heard the song “Grandola, Vila Morena”. An anti-fascist song by Jose Afonso, this song played in the early hours of the 25th of April on the radio all over the country. This song was one of the signs that trigger the Carnation Revolution.
After 40 years of a fascist dictatorship, a peaceful military coup led by leftist military offices brought about freedom for the Portugal people and eventually for those in colonies abroad. It led to a transition to democracy and the end of the Portuguese Colonial War in Africa.
Decolonization occurred quickly after the revolution and by the end of 1975, many Portuguese ex-colonies like Angola, Cape Verde, and Mozambique gained their rightful independence.
During the dictatorship, known as Estado Novo, citizens did not have access to freedom of speech and were censored by the secret police, PIDE. PIDE also imprisoned, tortured, and killed those opposing the regime, particularly communists. Women did not have equal rights to men and needed permission to own a bank account and travel abroad.
The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) has told Lusa that between the 7th and 13th of July, there were 238 extra deaths in Portugal. The DGS attributes this increase in deaths to the heat wave. Graca Freitas said that if the extremely high temperatures in Portugal persist, a higher number of deaths than usual will continue.
The fact that the minimum temperatures are also high, as well as the duration of the heat, causes a more considerable impact on people’s health. Vulnerable people are more affected by the heat wave in Portugal, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.
“The heat interferes with various pathologies, cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases” and worsens these, Freitas said. She warns that the most vulnerable people should be accompanied.
The DGS recommends regular hydration, particularly for vulnerable groups, with at least eight glasses of water daily.
Calculated by the National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), the index ICARO reached 1,28 on Thursday, translating to a significant impact on mortality caused by the heat wave. The ICARO predicts the effect of high air temperatures on mortality.
While high temperatures are normal during Portuguese summers, these temperatures are 5ºC to 10ºC higher than the average summer.
The heat wave has also impacted the wildfire season in Portugal. On Thursday at 11 pm, there were 27 active fires in Portugal, with 2,475 firefighters supported by 743 vehicles.
However, by Friday at 7 am, there were 13 active fires in Portugal, with 1,000 firefighters supported by 285 vehicles. The fires in Leiria, Viana do Castelo, and Porto mobilized more resources, reports Lusa.
To help Portugal get through the forest fires, the European Commission has mobilized its firefighting fleet. Many have had to evacuate their homes.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa visited the Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA) on Thursday and thanked the Civil Protection for their “work and dedication.” He called on each citizen to be careful and avoid any carelessness that could lead to a fire.
Tem sido extraordinária a ação dos Bombeiros e de todos os agentes da @ProteccaoCivil. Agradeço a todos pelo trabalho e dedicação. Mas, repito o apelo: mais do que nunca, é cada um dos cidadãos que tem de ter extremo cuidado para evitar que, por descuido, se provoque um incêndio. pic.twitter.com/w1YhH0DnAY
The state of emergency has been extended until at least Sunday. The state of emergency in Portugal means that the whole population has to follow a ban on:
Being in woodland areas, including forest, woodland, and rural trails
Burning garden and agricultural waste
Clearing agricultural land through burning
Using machinery in or near woodland areas (includes garden machinery)
Setting off fireworks of any kind
The National Maritime Authority has also announced important recommendations for beachgoers: hydration, sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 am and 5 pm. Everyone should avoid physical activity and wear loose clothing.
Located in the Central Region of Portugal, Fatima is one of the most popular hotspots for religious tourism in the world. Millions of pilgrims travel to Fatima every year to visit the location of the Miracle of Fatima.
However, Fatima even sparks the curiosity of atheists and those of a variety of religions. Along with the religious site, the Sanctuary of Fatima, the city is filled with cultural activities and day trips to neighboring villages.
In 1917, three shepherd children witnessed the apparition of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, six times over six months. The children said that Mary, also known as Fátima told the children the “Three Secrets of Fátima”.
These three apparitions and the spread of the messages throughout the city culminated in the Miracle of the Sun, allegedly witnessed by over 70,000 people. There are many accounts of what this miracle consisted of but most say that after a period of rain, the skies cleared and the sun appeared as a spinning disc in the sky with radiant colors.
If you are looking to visit the site of the Miracle of Fatima, we have selected the top hotels in Fatima for 2022. From 4-star hotels to low-cost alternatives, Fatima offers a variety of accommodation options to fit your budget.
A 4-star boutique hotel in Fatima, Luz Charming Houses is surrounded by nature, offering a tranquil environment to settle the mind. The hotel reinterprets the traditional architecture of the villages of the region of the 19th and 20th centuries with multiple houses surrounded by greenery.
The houses are built with irregular stones from the region and the construction techniques are based on ancient techniques.
The property features standard, superior, and master suites with private bathrooms, as well as room service.
A wellness center in a natural cave is also present, along with a heated outdoor pool. Luz Charming Houses also features a grocery and crafts store, a digital meeting room, a bar, a restaurant, and babysitting services.
Located close to the Sanctuary of Fatima, Mercure Fatima is a 4-star hotel offering 72 large bedrooms with modern bathrooms. The property features two Portuguese cuisine restaurants, Casa Platano and Plane Tree Bistro, and a bar.
Guests can enjoy a large buffet breakfast in the dining area, as well as work out in the well-equipped fitness center. The hotel also caters to those with reduced mobility, offering rooms that suit their needs.
Offering views of the Sanctuary of Fatima, Hotel Santa Maria is a 4-star hotel featuring 173 air-conditioned rooms. The property features a gift shop, restaurant, and lounge area with a bar, as well as a cozy fireplace in the lobby. Enjoy the views of the city from Santa Maria’s rooftop terrace.
The rooms at Hotel Santa Maria come equipped with a fridge, cable TV, and private bathrooms with bidets and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms feature bathtubs, as well.
Hotel Anjo de Portugal, translating to “Angel of Portugal” is a 4-star hotel, located a few minutes away from the Sanctuary of Fatima. The hotel features a large restaurant with a capacity of over 100 guests, serving Mediterranean food. An outdoor lounge area to enjoy a drink is also available.
The guest rooms are decorated modernly and feature flat-screen TVs, work desks, a bathtub, and air conditioning. A laundry service is also available, as well as a business center and games room.
750 meters away from the Sanctuary of Fatima, Hotel Dom Goncalo & Spa caters to families with children and those looking to relax in its top-notch wellness facilities. Featuring a restaurant called “O Convite”, one of the only restaurants in the region recommended by the Michelin Guide, a bar, and a kids room, the hotel has extraordinary facilities.
The 4-star hotel features 67 rooms and 4 suites with two design options, Design rooms that feature a contemporary feel and Classic rooms with vintage decor. The wellness center features an indoor pool, Turkish bath, tropical shower, jacuzzi, treatment rooms, and gym.
An affordable 4-star hotel, Hotel Sao Jose is located within walking distance from the sanctuary and the wax museum. With a classic feel and touches of modern design, the hotel features a bar, a restaurant, a gym, a sauna, and a Turkish bar.
There are over 70 rooms on the property, each equipped with double-glazed windows, air conditioning, a safe, mini bar, desk, HDTV, and a private bathroom with toiletries. Guests can choose between rooms with wooden or carpeted floors.
Founded in the 50s but remodeled in 2019, Hotel Estrela de Fatima has one of the best locations in Fatima, footsteps away from the sanctuary. All you need to do is cross the street to the other side and you will find the holy site!
The design of the hotel is inspired by the region and features a stunning terrace to enjoy sunsets and a restaurant reflective of the flavors of Fatima.
The hotel features 84 rooms in two distinct styles, flower rooms and tree rooms, as well as 14 deluxe rooms, and 4 junior suites.
Hotel Lux Fatima is located in the center of Fatima and features an emblematic outdoor pool on a wooden deck, offering gorgeous views of the city. The hotel also has a bar, fitness area, spa, and a restaurant called Palatus.
There are over 60 rooms at Hotel Lux Fatima, all offering a spacious and modern feel. These come equipped with cable TV, a mini bar, air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and more. Babysitting and laundry services are also available on site.
Essence Inn Marianos Hotel is a 4-star “concept” hotel built to awaken the senses. Each floor at the property features a different essence: floral, fruity, natural, wooden, and oriental. The hotel also features a store, atelier, and workshop area to explore Catholic culture, as well as a chapel for prayer.
The hotel prides itself on being “the first inclusive hotel in Fatima”. All rooms have been built with people with reduced mobility in mind, featuring SOS buttons all around and safe bathtubs. The “My Eyes” technology has also been implemented, a mobile app for those with visual impairment.
Essence Inn features a heated indoor pool, bar, restaurant, 24/7 reception, a business center, and private parking. Along with over 70 double rooms, 10 single rooms, and 3 suites, the hotel features 1 studio and 1 apartment.
The UK is warning that tourists can be prosecuted if they do not comply with the restrictions under the current state of contingency. Everyone must also follow the instructions of the civil protection and police.
The measures include a ban on:
Being in woodland areas, including forest, woodland, and rural trails
Burning garden and agricultural waste
Clearing agricultural land through burning
Using machinery in or near woodland areas (includes garden machinery)
Setting off fireworks of any kind
The UK website warns that there is a risk of fire in Portugal all over the country and that the Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads.
The UK travel advice for Portugal includes visitors familiarizing themselves with local safety and emergency producers and remaining vigilant of any fires. Moreover, the advice warns that creating a fire is a criminal offense, even if this was not done intentionally.
If you are traveling in Portugal during the summer period, you should familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures, remain vigilant, and follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities. Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offense in Portugal, even if unintentional.
According to the Washington Post, the European Commission said on Monday that it had “mobilized its firefighting fleet to help Portugal fight destructive forest fires”.
You can check out the official mainland fire danger map from IPMA here.
If you are going to a beach, you must stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 5 pm, according to the National Maritime Authority. Physical activity should be avoided at all costs including indoor and outdoor sports.
If you see a fire call the emergency services at 112.
On September 1, 1939, after the outbreak of the Second World War, following the invasion of Poland, Salazar declared Portugal’s neutrality to the National Assembly.
This decision was based on ideological and economic motives. Salazar believe it gave the nation a chance to prosper economically in the sense that it could foster business opportunities with both sides and ultimately stimulate the economy. He maintained open trade with both the Allied and Axis camp throughout the war.
Neutrality strongly boosted the Portuguese economy in four short years. It went from a 90 million dollar deficit in 1939 to a surplus of 68 million by 1943 due to its economic involvement with various nations during the war.
Portugal had always held close ties to Britain, since signing the Treaty of Windsor in 1386, the oldest alliance in history. When declaring neutrality, Salazar said that the alliance did not automatically mean that Portugal had to support the allies.
Salazar had backed Franco’s regime during the Spanish Civil War. Due to this close tie, as well as the government’s fascist ideology, he earned the respect of both Hitler and Mussolini.
This begs the question, was Portugal really neutral during WWII? Let’s take a look.
Salazar’s Estado Novo & Hitler’s Nazi Germany
Ideology and Relations
Both Fascist leaders, António Salazar and Adolf Hitler shared similar ideologies. One of the largest similarities between the Portuguese regime and Hitler’s Third Reich was the anti-communist views of both that actually drew elite individuals of the Estado Novo towards Hitler.
Nevertheless, Salazar publicly expressed in press conferences that his wish to neutralize communist ideas did not include extremist policies of violence to eliminate leftist views, according to Pimentel, Flunser, and Ninhos in the book “Salazar, Portugal, e o Holocausto”.
This can, of course, is easily debunked with the violence of Salazar’s police PIDE that violently persecuted and tortured members of the communist party.
Still, the Estado Novo officially disagreed with Germany’s violent policies and even before the war, suspected Hitler would use extreme measures of mass murder to eliminate his opponents.
Despite clear differences in both fascist regimes, Salazar has been placed in a category with Hitler due to his strong opposition to Communism and his repressive government, leading to their positive relationship in trade.
There were various Germanophile and Hitlerophile inclinations present in Salazar’s dictatorship. Despite Portugal’s official stance of neutrality and its alliance with the UK, the oldest of mankind, the Estado Novo demonstrated pro-German ideologies.
In 1933, Salazar criticized European politics for marginalizing the nation of Germany, as well as the “idealistic” view after World War I of the Treaty of Versailles, calling it a “work of destruction”, an incredibly Pro-German ideology.
Furthermore, in 1941, Salazar and the actual government of Portugal expressed public support for the nation of Germany.
Portugal’s Trade with Germany and the Allies during WW2
Let’s be clear, Portugal used its official neutrality stance to trade with both sides of the war. However, it’s clear that its collaboration with Hitler’s Nazi Germany marks a dark time in Portuguese history, one that is too often left unmentioned.
Despite a blockade restriction on Portuguese exports to Germany, Salazar frequently exported contraband in violation of the UK’s orders. Salazar took advantage of the war to benefit Portugal’s economy by charging high tariffs on the exports, a policy carried with special emphasis on wolfram, a metal used in the production of weaponry including missiles and grenades.
Salazar exported wolfram to both Germany and the allies. As Portuguese historian, Lidia Aguiar wrote, “it was with Portugal’s […] wolfram that a large part of the Second World War’s armaments were manufactured, both on the side of the Nazis and the Allies”.
Salazar was able to use Portugal’s extensive wolfram reserves in the northern parts of the country and extend the trade balance with both the Allies and the Axis whilst charging elevated tariffs due to the high demand.
In 1941, Germany and Portugal signed a secret agreement concerning the trade of sardines for war material. On April 31, 1943, an agreement was signed regarding the trade of wolfram for weapons. By 1944, Portugal had exported 3,100 metric tons of wolfram to Germany.
In March of that year, the Allies presented a formal demand to Salazar that he stop the wolfram trade to Germany, which he eventually accepted. Salazar accepted it because Portugal and England shared the oldest alliance in history.
Despite the immense trade of sardines, wolfram, and weaponry between Germany and Portugal, Salazar did not fulfill every import demanded by Hitler, substantially to keep the Allies on Portugal’s “good side” and maintain its stance of neutrality.
The Bank of Portugal & Nazi Gold
To this day the Bank of Portugal receives a negative image for its Nazi collaboration, as Portugal knew the German payment in the form of gold was stolen from conquered nations and victims of the Holocaust.
The Bank of Portugal still holds gold bars with the swastika engraved on them, according to Marlise Simons. The gold payments were key in maintaining the Portuguese currency’s stability and reducing inflation during and in the years following the war.
For both nations, paying in gold was far safer than with paper currencies, but this led to a constant dispute with the Allies concerning the origins of the gold.
Even though the Portuguese constantly deny any Portuguese affiliation with the Nazis, in 2001, documents were founds in the Canfranc train station in Spain, that prove Portugal imported at least 228 tonnes of Nazi gold to Germany, according to Publico.
Antonio Louça, who wrote a 40 thesis regarding the Nazi gold situation, argues that as early as 1942 the Allies notified all Western countries, including Portugal, that the Nazis were using stolen gold as a form of payment through Swiss banks.
That same year, in January, a first secret agreement between the two nations was signed granting export licenses for the sale of up to 2,800 tons of wolfram and Salazar was completely aware of the origins of the gold used to pay these.
Portugal & Jewish Refugees
Portugal was one of the last nations in Europe to get involved in the refugee crisis created by Nazi Germany. At the time, Portugal’s Jewish community consisted of a population of under one thousand people and migration was not booming.
Salazar was content with this. He was against immigration, promoting nationalistic rhetoric. He believed foreigners would diminish the “national spirit” and create possible social tensions that would generate a political climate for war.
During the war, Salazar severely restricted entry to Portugal, even though he was aware of the horrors of Jewish treatment in Nazi Germany.
In 1939, Salazar’s police took stricter control and dismantled criminal networks responsible for falsifying passports for refugees.
Circular 14 was installed on November 11. The Estado Novo sent it to all the Portuguese consuls through Europe. It made fleeing Nazi Germany very difficult, although it allowed consuls to continue granting Portuguese transit visas to some, it discriminated against those with contested nationality, the stateless, Russian citizens, and more.
Salazar’s fascist ideology, which favored the Nazis, was so publicly demonstrated that the Portuguese were not invited to the Evian Conference in July of 1938, where the safety of Jewish refugees was discussed, according to Milgram’s book “Portugal, the Consuls, and the Jewish Refugees”.
Salazar fought back against Jewish refugees coming to Portugal. Veiga Simões, the Portuguese ambassador in Berlin, advocated that Portugal should adopt Germany’s policy of stamping Jewish passports with the letter J, in order for these to lose the right to return to their nation of origin. Salazar accepted this horrific suggestion, according to Milgram.
However, organizations and individuals fought back against this injustice, such as Aristides de Sousa Mendes.
Aristides de Sousa Mendes
Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a Portuguese consul during World War II known for defying the orders of Salazar during the Estado Novo and issuing visas and passports to a number of refugees fleeing Nazi Germany.
Sousa Mendes thus disobeyed a powerful dictator which was unheard of during the Estado Novo for a diplomatic official to do and get away with. He disobeyed Circular 14, believing it was inhumane and racist.
Not only did he disobey Circular 14, but he also issued passports with false identities to people of military age in France which was a crime.
No one knows for sure how many visas Sousa Mendes issued, but some historians say he helped around 30,000 refugees, many of which were Jewish.
This illegal act of courage that went against Salazar’s will led to Mendes’s prosecution and loss of pension, leaving him bankrupt, but remembered as a Portuguese hero forever.
Final Thoughts: Was Portugal neutral during WWII?
While many would disagree, we have to say no. In fact, Salazar declared three days of national mourning after Hitler’s death. This suggests a certain partiality when it came to picking sides. The same was not done when Franklin Delano Roosevelt died that same month in 1945.
Salazar was also well aware of the origins of the gold provided to the Bank of Portugal and the horrific atrocities that it represented. Moreover, Salazar’s disregard for the lives of Jewish refugees made it clear that helping victims escape the holocaust was not a priority for the fascist dictator.
Many completely disregard Portugal’s collaboration with Nazi Germany, but the facts are all there. Salazar’s exports of sardines and wolfram, as well as Hitler’s exports of weaponry, prove to be a strong collaboration.
According to the Civil Protection website, as of 9:12 am local time on July 13, there are 272 active fires all over mainland Portugal. Most of the country has been labeled with a high risk of fire alert on Wednesday.
Central Portugal and the north, as well as parts of the south of Portugal, are at even greater risk of fire.
The heat wave is a leading cause of the fires spreading all over Portugal, particularly rural fires. The highest temperatures are expected in Santarem where temperatures could reach almost 47ºC.
The extreme temperatures are set to remain until the weekend and specialists warn this heat wave could be one of the most intense in the last decades.
While high temperatures are normal during Portuguese summers, these temperatures are 5ºC to 10ºC higher than the average summer.
📢#Tempo: Entre 11 e 17/jul esperam-se valores extremos de temperatura em Portugal Continental. Dias 12, 13 e 14 deverão alcançar valores entre os 42 a 45 °C no Alto Alentejo, Vale Tejo e em alguns locais do Alto Douro, Estremadura e Beira Litoral 👉https://t.co/0OpXaX66Lgpic.twitter.com/Jupro2d4rA
According to the Washington Post, the European Commission said on Monday that it had “mobilized its firefighting fleet to help Portugal fight destructive forest fires”. Many residents have had to evacuate their homes.
On Sunday, there were more than 3,000 firefighters around the country working to put out fires.
A nationwide state of emergency has been declared. This means that people are not allowed in forest areas deemed high risk and that farmers are not allowed to use machinery that could ignite a fire.
In 2017, the BBC reported that the common “wildfire season” in Portugal would be extended from two to five months due to climate change. That same year, hundreds of people died in the wildfire season, leading to criticisms of the government’s response.
Along with the lack of equipment, criticisms arose about the lack of management of forests. Portugal is one of the most forested countries in the whole of Europe, but 85% is privately owned. Many of these rural plots have been neglected as people move to the city, leading to fires.
The National Maritime Authority has announced important recommendations for beach goers: hydration, sunscreen, and avoiding direct sun exposure, particularly between 11 am and 5 pm.
Light meals and loose clothes are also recommended, as well as wide hats and sunglasses. The authority also said that physical activity should be avoided at all costs including indoor and outdoor sports.
In June, 96% of Portugal was classified as being in extreme or severe drought.
Moving to Lisbon? Whether you are moving with your family or starting a new university course as a student, saving must be in your mind. The cost of living in Lisbon is rising yearly. According to a Mercer Study, in 2021, Lisbon rose 23 positions in the cost of living ranking compared to 2020. It ranked as the 83rd most expensive city for expats in the world.
However, in comparison to other major European capitals, Lisbon remains affordable. it is 40% less expensive than Amsterdam and London. If you are aware of the best tips and tricks to save money in Lisbon, you’ll find that you won’t be spending unnecessary cash.
In this article, we put together Lisbon the average monthly budget for expats, digital nomads, and families with two children. Let’s take a look at how you can reduce your monthly budget and save those euros with 9 Lisbon budgeting tips.
Public transport is affordable in Lisbon, unlike in cities like London where a monthly transport pass will cost you over €100. A monthly transportation pass in Lisbon for metro, buses, and trams should cost you around €50.
There are plenty of places in Lisbon that are also accessible by foot, but if the steep hills are too tiring for you, there’s always a tram around.
The best way to save money here is by avoiding Ubers and taxis. These have been rising in prices, particularly in the last six months due to the rise in gas prices. If you decide to take the occasional Uber, try to share one with friends and split the fare.
Photo by Andreas M (Unsplash)
2. Student discounts: Bring that student card everywhere
If you are a student, take advantage of the many student discounts across the city and all of Portugal. The International Student Identity Card, ISIC, is the most widely accepted form of student ID. You can get discounts on sights, accommodation, food, transportation, and more. Discounts range anywhere from 10% to 50%.
3. Avoid restaurants in touristy areas
The key to finding affordable restaurants in Lisbon is to avoid tourist traps. There are plenty of touristy areas such as Chiado and Bairro Alto with great affordable restaurants, but some areas are to be completely avoided.
For example, many restaurants near Rossio Square, particularly the ones with large pictures on the menu charge at least €20 for a low-quality meal.
You will find cheaper restaurants with better and larger meals all over the city. For example, Ze da Mouraria in Mouraria serves huge portions for around €10.
Pro tip: order the special of the day. For example, Taberna da Casa do Alentejo serves a daily special that costs anywhere between €6 and 7€.
Some places even offer a full lunch menu with a starter, main, dessert, and coffee for €10.
If you really want to save, always ask for “tap water”. If you just ask for some water, you will be served a large glass water bottle that could cost you anywhere between €5 to €8.
Lisbon is the most expensive place to rent a house in Portugal, as well as purchase property. As of February 2022, the price of renting in Lisbon is €13/m2, according to Idealista.
If you are really looking to save, the best way to do so is to rent a room in a shared house. A one-bedroom apartment will cost you around €850 at least, but you can get a room for around €300 to €400 a month. These prices can increase depending on location, size, and whether the place has been recently renovated.
Look for a place to rent on websites such as Idealista, Spotahome, and Custojusto. Know that in all of Portugal, it is part of the rental culture for you to negotiate the price of the rent.
An unusual factor about renting in Lisbon is that landlords will try to not give you a rental contract, which is NOT advisable. Many landlords choose not to declare their rental income in order to not pay the tax for non-tourism properties set at 28%.
Landlords will often give you a 28% discount in turn, but this means you will lose most of your tenant rights as you won’t have a legal rental contract. This is not the place to save money, do not take this risk!
5. Find free activities and entertainment in Lisbon
Lisbon has loads of free activities and sights, you just need to know where to go! From green parks perfect for picnic dates and the iconic Lisbon viewpoints, the city has so much to offer, without costing you a penny.
One of our favorite free things to do in Lisbon is to visit the Gulbenkian Garden. Open from sunrise to sunset, the Gulbenkian Garden was created in 1969 at the headquarters of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Covering 19 acres, the garden features two lakes, landscaped lawns, small bridges, and paths for guests to stroll.
Head to one of the many miradouros (viewpoints) in Lisbon, where you’ll find people drinking beer and playing music while watching the sunset. The best lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Miradouro da Rocha Conde de Obidos. Photo by Freguesia de Estrela (Unsplash)
Many of the stunning historical monuments in Lisbon are best enjoyed from the outside, which is completely free. For example, located on the northern bank of the Tagus River, the Monument of the Discoveries was founded in 1960 by Portuguese architect José Ângelo Cottinelli Telmo and sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida during Salazar’s Estado Novo dictatorship.
You can also snap some photos of UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and Torre de Belem.
Supermarkets in Portugal regularly have promotions on certain products, so look out for these. Sometimes discounts can reach up to 50%! Many supermarkets also offer discount coupons so make sure to keep these with you and use them by their due date.
In the center of Lisbon, you will also find many mercearias, these are traditional supermarkets that are quite smaller than the mainstream supermarkets. Although you might not find everything you need here, many products such as fruit, vegetables, and bread are more affordable here.
If you’re going to a large supermarket like Continente or Pingo Doce, don’t be afraid of the white label products, known as marca branca in Portuguese. These are high-quality in Portugal and a lot of times just as good as the expensive brands.
7. Travel the country by bus
Moving to Lisbon for the first time and not exploring the country would be a waste. Due to the rise in gas prices and how expensive it is to rent a car, traveling by bus is the cheapest option. Do check out the prices of trains for a given journey as this is more comfortable, but usually, a bus ticket is your cheapest option.
The most popular bus company is Rede Expressos, a national express coach network in Portugal. You will find bus routes all over the country and you can purchase tickets online. They sell tickets from Lisbon to Porto and the Algarve starting at €5.
Photo by Yusuke Kawasaki (Flickr)
8. Browse the flea markets for cheap gems
The most popular flea market in Lisbon is called Feira da Ladra and has been a part of the capital’s culture since the 12th century. The flea market in Alfama sells everything from vintage clothes, and accessories, to antique furniture. If you need something for your new home, instead of driving to Ikea, check out what Feira da Ladra has to offer.
The market happens every Tuesday and Saturday from dawn to early afternoon. Make sure to get there early if you are looking to purchase items. The flea market is free to visit and if you do end up buying something, prices are extremely low.
9. Be careful with your heating and electricity bills
Not so fun fact – the energy bills in Portugal are some of the highest in Europe. Basic energy utilities average out at €150 depending on the size of the household. You can definitely save some money by watching your consumption.
Try to avoid leaving lights on that you are not using, the environment will also thank you. While the winters are not too cold in Lisbon, it can get quite cold at night. Try to reduce your heating consumption by not leaving it on all day, this could almost triple your heating bill in the winter.
Fuel prices went down this week in Portugal for all types of vehicle fuel. Between last Monday (July 4) and this Monday (July 11) fuel prices decreased between 5.9 to 7.1 cents a liter.
Diesel simple (gasoleo simples) decreased by 7 cents to an average sale price of 1.923 euros per liter. Diesel special (gasoleo especial) decreased by 6.7 cents to 1.947 cents per liter.
Gasolina simple 95 (gasolina simples 95) decreased by 6.5 cents to 2.019 cents a liter. Gasoline special 95 (gasolina especial 95) decreased by 6.8 cents to 2.031 cents a liter.
An unusual phenomenon has occurred with the most expensive fuel types in Portugal. Gasoline special 98 (gasolina especial 98) became cheaper than gasoline 98 (gasolina 98). Gasoline 98 now costs 2.180 cents a liter (-5.9 cents), while gasoline special 98 now costs 2.175 cents a liter (-7.1 cents).
Fuel prices in Portugal are not expected to keep decreasing next week. The Brent index reached around 100 dollars per barrel last Thursday, the smallest value in two months.
However, the value increased this Monday to 106 dollars, meaning that next week, prices are not expected to decrease.
Fuel prices in Portugal are not back to what they were in late February, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The increase in fuel prices between February 23 and July 11 ranges between 11% to 16%. The smallest increase of 11% occurred in gasoline special 98, usually the most expensive fuel type. The largest increase of 16% occurred in diesel simple, still the cheapest fuel type.
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In October of 2021, Portugal achieved the highest vaccination rate in the world, reaching full vaccination for 85% of the population in just nine months. This allowed Portugal to open its bars and clubs with no limits on the size of groups, at the time.
While many experts attribute the success of Covid-19 vaccination rates in Portugal to the low amount of anti-vax sentiment in Portugal, others believe the highly organized vaccination program across the country is responsible.
According to ABC News, only 3% of the population see themselves as vaccine “deniers”. While it is clear that the anti-vaccination movement is growing in Portugal, the general attitude is positive toward vaccination programs.
The vaccination rate in Portugal for measles, mumps, and rubella is 95%, one of the highest in the European Union.
Some of the success of the vaccination rates in Portugal can be attributed to Vice Admiral Henrique de Gouveia e Melo, who in May of 2021 was made the head of Portugal’s Covid-19 vaccination task force.
The Vice Admiral told the New York Times that part of the program’s success was leaving politics out of the vaccination efforts. Instead of having a team of politicians, he assembled a team of doctors, analysts, and experts from the Portuguese army, navy, and air force.
These experts developed organized production lines, employed in large sports facilities. These included a reception, a waiting room, cubicles where people were vaccinated, and a recovery area.
Today, Portugal is the 9th country with the highest rate of administered doses per 100 inhabitants. Over 8.8 million people in Portugal have been fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 Pandemic.
95% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 92.6% are completely vaccinated. Around 19,000 doses of the vaccine are given a day. Let’s take a look at the vaccination rates in Portugal by age group.
Covid-19 Vaccination Rate in Portugal by Age Group
100% of those over the age of 65 years old have been completely vaccinated. Between the ages of 50 and 64, 99.03% have been completely vaccinated and 99.08% have received one or more doses.
For the age group of 25 to 49 years old, 94.31% have been completely vaccinated and 96.16% have received one or more doses.
90.78% of 18 to 24 years old are completely vaccinated and 93.42% have received one or more doses.
87.17% of 12 to 17-year-olds are completely vaccinated and 90.29% have received one or more doses.
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