One of Portugal's most colorful festivals is back in 2019, with centuries of pageantry and tradition! The “Festa dos Tabuleiros” has been scheduled to run from June 29th to July 8th, 2019 in the historic city of Tomar. “Festa dos Tabuleiros,” or Festival of Trays, happens every four years or so and is unique in the world Read more →
Religion
Who passes through Alcobaça Do not stop there without going back Try as you might Read more →
The Tomar Synagogue has reopen to the public after 11 months of preservation work. The project included the conservation and restoration of the monument (plastering, covering, electrical, acoustics, creation of exhibitions). Read more →
In Portugal, there's a typical saying whenever someone leaves but forgets to close the door behind them. "és de Braga?" or Are you from Braga? is the common reaction. But some people have no idea why, here's a possible explanation Read more →
The Chapel of Bones is a small chapel, part of the Sao Francisco church in Évora. Decorated with human bones and scalps, it represents the fragility of live and reminds the believers of their mortality. Built in the 17th century, it is now open to visitors. Read more →
On the top of a hill you can not miss the 5k fortress that embraces the city of Valença and pronounces its History. A city by the Minho river, that marks a natural border with Spain, it was a place of political and strategic importance in the early 13th century. It was built under the King Sancho I rule due to his military aspirations of conquering territories in Galicia and is now home for pilgrims and visitors form all over the world. Read more →
The Portuguese Easter celebration includes the visiting of Christ on the cross to the families's houses for blessings. Compasso is the name of the small catholic group that, headed by a Judge that carries the cross, goes through every town's street ringing the bells announcing the Christ's resurrection. Read more →
An old tradition gets repeated in Azores every Easter: Pilgrims form groups of men that walk around the island for a week praying and singing with their rosaries to protect the island. Until Thursday before Easter, around 2.500 men from all ages take this journey around S. Miguel with the population providing them shelter and supplies. Read more →
The Potential Of Sacred Places As A Tool For Sustainable Tourism Development Read more →
Portugal is one of the hottest emerging destinations in Europe. American travel jumped by more then 20% this year in terms of overnights and visitors (January to July), TAP launched two new gateway cities from the US, United kicked off DC-Lisbon flights, and Delta announced it will offer a new nonstop from JFK. Hotels are opening by the dozen – so obviously we have too much “new” news to squeeze into one newsletter – so let us offer a few fun new offerings in Portugal. Read more →