A must-read tradition: dive into Centre of… • Center of Portugal

We want you to keep on dreaming of Center of Portugal. We want you to believe that Christmas magic was not extinguished in 2021 due to the pandemic. This too shall pass and hope will always be the best antidote.

No doubt that this year Christmas will be very different all over the world. People will avoid travelling and will reduce their circle of interactions, greeting their beloved ones through digital screens and sending them virtual kisses and hugs. We all know that times are challenging, demanding our full commitment to protect the ones we love. Staying apart is necessary to remain close. But one day when all this is over, we will travel again and we will discover those unique Christmas spots that fuel our inner belief in magic.

In Center of Portugal, there are many enchanting Christmas villages and absolutely unique celebrations, mouth-watering Christmas delicacies, opulent tables and the warm-hearted generosity of its people. We want you to keep on dreaming of Center of Portugal. We want you to believe that Christmas magic was not extinguished in 2020 due to the pandemic. This too shall pass and hope will always be the best antidote.

May your Christmas be merry and full of light!

Codfish: a must of Portuguese cuisine

The almighty king of the Portuguese table also pays a visit on Christmas, namely on December 24th. Codfish can be cooked in 1001 different ways, but on Christmas evening it is prepared in a very unpretentious way: boiled with potatoes and the so-called “Christmas cabbage”. In some regions of Portugal, the remains are cooked on December 25th for lunch. This mix is called “roupa velha”, literally translated “old clothes”. An historical note: the introduction of codfish in the Christmas menu dates back to the dictatorship period of Salazar, around the 30’s of the 20th century. Codfish as a political propaganda weapon.

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Food & Drink

Codfish route

The codfish route will take you to the city of Ílhavo that has a long sea-related tradition. In Ílhavo we will visit the amazing Ílhavo Maritime Museum and its one-of-a-kind codfish aquarium, as well as the Museum Ship Santo André.

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Octopus: delightfully tender

In the north region of Portugal and also in the north area of Center of Portugal there is the habit of eating octopus on the evening of December 24th, instead of codfish. Either octopus rice, boiled octopus with boiled potatoes or fried octopus filets, the result is absolutely delicious! This gastronomic habit was highly oppressed by the dictatorship of Salazar that imposed codfish as the main Christmas dish. During those times, there was even octopus smuggling in the north of Portugal and octopus was seen as a very exquisite ingredient, suitable for a special festive season like Christmas. Those populations resisted, and nowadays octopus is still the king of Christmas tables!

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Serra da Estrela cheese: a royal delicacy

The king of Portuguese cheeses is a must at the Christmas table in Portugal. Its reputation dates back to the 14th century, for the cheese produced in Serra da Estrela was often sent as a gift for the Royal families, especially during Christmas time. This exquisite product is simply perfect for those endless family meals, as well as perfect match for noble Dão wines.

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Food & Drink

"Serra da Estrela" cheese

With a buttery or dry dough, yellow colour and intense flavour, Serra da Estrela cheese is made exclusively with milk from Bordaleira breed sheep, and puts all the generosity of Serra da Estrela on the table.

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Rabanadas: a true Christmas classic

To make it simple: a sort of French toasts. Aka “golden slices” or “egg slices”. This sweet is a true Christmas classic and an inventive way of using old bread that fried and covered in sugar and cinnamon is absolutely irresistible !

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Christmas fires: a symbol of solidarity and brotherhood

Especially in the inland of Center of Portugal, there is the enduring tradition of piling up wood in front of cathedrals and churches and to lit the “madeiros”, big fires. A way of bringing communities closer, as well as a symbol of the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood so typical of this holiday season.

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Filhoses: a must-eat tradition

Traditionally baked by the fireplace on December 24th left a perfume in the air which is a mix of many ingredients: 12 eggs, 1 kilo flour, 2 dl olive oil, orange juice, brandy, 6 soup spoons of sugar, cinnamon and bakers’ yeast.Outside it’s cold, but after a delicious codfish with Portuguese cabbage, we must taste the “filhoses”. A true must in all Portuguese tables.

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Cabeça: A sustainable Christmas Village

Cabeça, Christmas Village invites us to discover a genuine Christmas, inspired by the very best of Serra da Estrela: people and the mountain. The main goal is to dress up the whole mountain village for Christmas. All Christmas décor works are carried out by the village inhabitants. The used materials are all natural and are carefully sorted out, respecting the environment and biodiversity. The colour is given by Serra da Estrela wool, supplied by several textile companies of the region.

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Cities & Villages

Cabeça

Located at a curvy granite hill the village kept growing as if it were a Christmas crib! A privileged location that the inhabitants of Cabeça make the most of during Christmas time.

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A must-read tradition: dive into Centre of Portugal's Christmas curiosities