Portuguese History

Almeida Garrett, born in Porto in 1799, was a pivotal figure in 19th-century Portuguese literature and politics. Renowned for his works "Frei Luís de Sousa" and "Viagens na Minha Terra," he played a crucial role in the Liberal Revolution and the development of Portuguese theater and dramatic arts.

June 10th marks the Day of Portugal, Luís de Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, celebrating the famed poet Camões and his epic "Os Lusíadas." Once associated with the Estado Novo regime, this holiday now emphasizes global Portuguese unity. This year’s events will occur in areas affected by the 2017 fires and at the University of Coimbra, commemorating Camões' 500th birth anniversary.

The Carnation Revolution, also known as the Portuguese Revolution of 1974, marked a pivotal moment in Portugal’s history, signaling the end of the authoritarian Estado Novo regime and the dawn of a new era of democracy. On April 25th, 1974, the country witnessed a peaceful military coup led by the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), initiating profound social, political, and cultural changes.

Portugal is widely recognized today for its gastronomy, climate, hospitality, culture, and its commitment to preserving its history and traditions. One unique way the Portuguese celebrate these is through the art of the famous ceramic tiles, known as “azulejos” in Portuguese. Portuguese ceramics represent a strong expression of cultural heritage and stand as a unique…

“Fado” is a word that derives from the Latin “fatum,” which means destiny. However, the origin of this distinctive musical style, highly cherished in Portugal, remains unknown. It is widely accepted that it emerged spontaneously in Lisbon during the 19th century as an expression among the most underprivileged classes in an urban setting. Maria Severa…

Port Wine Renowned in the Northern Region of Portugal, Portugal and worldwide, Port Wine possesses an identity often likened to the nectar of the gods. This fortified liqueur wine is produced within the Douro Demarcated Region, historically recognized as the world’s first official designated wine region, established in 1756 by Marquês de Pombal, a significant…

Visiting Portugal is getting to know millennia of history and culture, but visiting Guimarães is getting to know part of the Portuguese DNA. Just 50 km from Porto, Guimarães offers historic streets, monuments, religious architecture, old manor houses, palaces and museums. The name Portucale derives from the Latin, which means Portus (port) and Cale (beautiful),…