10 Portuguese customs that the rest of the world may find strange

The Portuguese may have habits very similar to those of other western countries. But there are certain peculiarities that make them a unique and super special people. In Portugal, the expression “to have a coffee” can have different meanings, the most common barbecue is sardines and they have the custom of stealing the decoration of wedding cakes. Want to know why?

So stay with us, because the awesome.club will reveal what is behind these and many other curiosities about Portuguese habits. Check out!

We can say that coffee is part of the Portuguese identity, because even if the person does not like the drink itself, the expression “to have a coffee” is part of their daily lives and goes far beyond a simple trip to the cafeteria.

The phrase is used as a synonym for date and can mean lunch, dinner, a business meeting and even a first romantic date. It is also common to hear Portuguese people say “I pay you a coffee”, when an acquaintance is having a bad day, for example. It’s a funny habit, which can confuse those who don’t know the expressions “from the land”.

It’s not that they don’t like barbecue with red meat, but it’s more common to find sardines on grills in Portugal. Mainly during the summer. The “sardinhada” is part of the tradition of the festivities of Santos Populares (a historic party, which would be the Portuguese version of the “Festa Junina”). During the month of June, those who visit the traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon will find several “barraquinhas” on the street, with grills full of sardines.

Some Portuguese prefer to eat seated, with plates and cutlery. Others prefer to simply place the whole fish on top of a slice of bread. One way or another, the Portuguese know how to make sardines like no one else!

Normally, people like to eat fried foods when they are still warm and crispy. But, in Portugal, it is common for snack bars, cafeterias and bakeries to sell chamusas, rissóis and cod pastries when they are cold. That is, they like it when the frying is at “room” temperature, without the crispy crust. This habit is so common there that some Portuguese even find it strange when the frying is still hot and with a “harder” crust.

Oh! This rule seems to apply to everything but French fries. In this case, the frying is almost always freshly made and most Portuguese people love it when they are still crispy (just like the rest of the world, right?).

Have you ever visited Lisbon or Porto? In these cities, it is common to see clay or ceramic swallows attached to the facades of buildings or inside Portuguese houses. This decorative object is a grace and the tradition dates back to the 19th century, when the famous Portuguese artisan Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro made the first pieces. It is not known for sure if the creation was his, but what is known is that the swallows conquered the Portuguese and are part of the traditions to this day.

The Portuguese have a very special way of answering the phone. Instead of saying “hello” or “hello” when they answer the call, they ask the question: “Au?” (as a short form for “am?”). This is the most common expression, but you may also hear a “Am I right?” or is?” on the other side of the line.

There is a curious tradition in the New Year: wearing blue panties or underwear during the New Year. Although the origin of the superstition is not known for sure, many Portuguese believe that it can bring good luck to the coming year.

In Portugal, saying “amo-te” — which would correspond to the Brazilian “eu te amo” — is very rare. Even in parent-child relationships. Friends then, don’t even talk. They say “I really like you” or “I adore you” (between couples), but love… no. It’s pretty rare. When questioned, many say they do not use the expression, as it is not necessary. They say that love can be shown much better with actions than words. Anyway, the important thing is that there is a lot of love, isn’t it?

Do you think sweet foods combine with sea, sand and heat? Well, many Portuguese believe that this combination is perfect. On Portuguese beaches, it is common to see street vendors selling Berlin balls. It is a Portuguese version of the dream, sold in Brazil, with or without cream filling.

This habit may seem strange to foreigners (after all, we are talking about a fried dough, covered in sugar, in the middle of summer), but if you visit the coast of Portugal in the heat, we suggest you give this experience a chance. It’s delicious!

In Portugal, it is common to have entertainers at weddings. But not to entertain children, but adults. These professionals rock the dance floor, make jokes, set up scavenger hunts (like musical chairs), all with the aim of keeping the party lively from start to finish.

Continuing on the wedding subject, we need to talk about a very fun tradition at Portuguese weddings: stealing the top of the cake. You know the decorations that go on top of the wedding cake, like little dolls? biscuit representing the bride and groom? So, at a certain time of the party, some friend or family member of the couple will steal it, without them noticing, of course — after all, that’s where the fun is.

Over the next few months, the newlyweds must find out who took the top of the cake. If they don’t find out, they have to buy the “thief” a dinner – as a kind of “ransom” for the ornament. It’s a custom and quite fun, don’t you think?

Have you ever visited Portugal or have a close relationship with any Portuguese? What fascinates you most about Portuguese culture? tell the awesome.club in the comments.