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History and Culture

6 Interesting Facts about Santo António, the Patron Saint of Lisbon

The Festival of Santo António on June 12 transforms Lisbon into a non-stop party of music, dance, romance, and religious devotion. But there is...

12 Incredible Facts about Manuel II – The Last King of Portugal

Manuel II's story reads like a tragic novel. He was a young prince thrust into power during one of the most turbulent periods in...

The Lisbon Book Fair Is the Perfect Place to Relax This June

If you’re a book, beer, picnic, or park lover, then we’ve got the perfect place for you to visit this June in Lisbon. From...

Portugal’s Political Map Has Changed: The Rise of the Far Right and the Current State of the Parties

As of May 28, 2025 — with the final count of votes from Portuguese emigrants inside and outside of Europe — it’s official: Chega is now the second-largest...

15 Interesting Facts about Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting CP’s Super Striker

Viktor Gyökeres has once again proven his immense value to Sporting CP! On Sunday, May 25, at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor in Oeiras,...

11 Portuguese Idioms That Will Make Locals Smile

Portuguese, spoken by over 260 million people across the globe, is a language rich in history, emotion, and cultural nuance. One of the most...

Quim Barreiros: The Mariah Carey of Portugal

Wait, what? I thought you would be talking about a woman. Who is this guy? How is he the Mariah Carey of Portugal? Mariah Carey...

From Madeira to Eurovision – Portugal’s NAPA Takes “Deslocado” to the World Stage

Portugal's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 comes all the way from Madeira. NAPA, an indie band whose musical journey started in a...

The Iconic Quiosques of Lisbon – History, Culture, and How Residents Can Get a 60% Discount!

It seems like you can’t go more than a few blocks without running into another one of Lisbon’s hexagonal 'Quiosques' (Kiosks). While they may...

12 Amazing Facts about Aristides de Sousa Mendes – Portugal’s Greatest Diplomat, Savior of Thousands of Lives during World War II

Aristides de Sousa Mendes is truly one of history's unsung heroes, a Portuguese diplomat whose extraordinary moral courage during World War II saved thousands...

Chafarizes – A Guide to Lisbon’s Beautiful Fountains

Lisbon's fountains, known as "chafarizes," have quenched the city's thirst for centuries. In the 12th century, Lisbon began constructing public fountains to supply water...

Tracing the History of the Adufe – Portugal’s Traditional Drum

For my last birthday, I was given an adufe by my Portuguese friends. And what, you may ask, is an adufe? I asked myself...

From Past to Future – The History of Portugal and Mozambique

The history between Portugal and Mozambique is a dense narrative, crossed by conquest, slavery, administration, rebellion, war, and reunion. Contrary to more linear narratives,...

A Countdown of the Top 10 Most Famous Portuguese Inventions

Hold onto your pastel de nata because you're about to discover how one incredible Iberian nation changed the world forever. Portugal, Europe's unsung hero...

10 Famous Portuguese Emigrants Who Found International Success

Currently, Portugal’s most famous emigrant is Cristiano Ronaldo. But many other Portuguese have also found international fame and fortune after leaving the country. These...

Extinct Portugal

There was a time when bears roamed the mountains of Portugal. The hills were covered in oak and chestnut trees, and the rivers flowed...

Top 10 European Portuguese Phrases to Make You Sound Like a Local

Planning a trip to Portugal soon? While many Portuguese people speak English, especially in tourist areas, making an effort to speak the local language...

The History of the Jacarandas in Lisbon

In late spring, Lisbon transforms into a purple paradise as jacaranda trees burst into bloom across the city. These magnificent trees, with their vibrant...

A Blossoming Wound – The Relationship Between Portugal and Angola

The relationship between Portugal and Angola is one of the most intense and complex in all of Portuguese colonial history. Their link has been...

Croissants and Custard Tarts – The History Between Portugal and France

The history of the relationship between Portugal and France is a tangle of alliances and betrayals, cultural influences and power struggles, spanning centuries of...

What Is the Portuguese Heart of Viana?

The Heart of Viana represents one of Portugal's most cherished cultural symbols. This exquisite piece of jewelry transcends its decorative purpose. The symbol has...

Olá! Hola! – The Complicated History of Portugal and Spain’s Relationship

The relationship between Portugal and Spain is one of those old romances that are never completely resolved. Brothers by land and sea, separated by...

The Land of Vera Cruz – Portugal and Brazil’s Ancient Connection

The history between Portugal and Brazil is a story of colony and metropolis, of invasions and resistance, of kings fleeing, and empires crumbling. It's...

An Unexpected Connection – The Relationship Between Portugal and India

The relationship between Portugal and India is one of the oldest and deepest in the history of European expeditions. This connection, formed after the...

The Oldest Alliance – Portugal and the United Kingdom

The relationship between Portugal and the United Kingdom is forged in iron and sea, shaped by the salt of Atlantic storms and treaties carved...

Between Braga and New York – The History between Portugal and the USA

The history between Portugal and the United States is, in many ways, a narrative of unlikely encounters and subtle influences. While there is no...

Who Is Portugal’s Next Potential President?

Portugal’s next presidential election is on the horizon, and speculation is heating up as to who will be the winning candidate. One name keeps...

Before Macau – The History between Portugal and China

The relationship between Portugal and China is one of the great tales of the past, filled with intrigue, cultural exchanges and a clash of...

Cristiano Ronaldo Turns 40! – Here Are 40 Facts to Celebrate

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, celebrated his 40th birthday on February 5, 2025! We've given you Ronaldo facts before...

Like a Haiku – The History between Portugal and Japan

The history shared between Portugal and Japan reads like an epic saga, an intricate web of exploration, trade and cultural exchanges that defied the...
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