Lisbon CulturePortuguese culture is an incredible amalgamation of foreign influences, from the extensive expeditions the Portuguese explorers made all over the world, to the Moorish and Roman invasions. In the streets of the city, travelers will be spellbound by the busy and energy of Lisbon, from the artists performing, businessmen bustling in their suits, vendors selling hot chestnuts, or children playing in the parks. The city itself is littered with historical landmarks, from the Baroque architecture to restored palaces, castles and regal churches. A mix of the old and new, Lisbon is overflowing with events, music, museums, and sights that display this diversity. Lisbon also seethes with gradeur, reminiscent of when this city was the heart of the most powerful, rich nation in the world. In Lisbon, many different festivals are celebrated reflecting the people’s past beliefs in local pagan and roman gods as well as Christian saints. For instance, June is the most filled month in terms of Lisbon's festivals; these festivals honor different saints with parades and parties. In addition, on the second Sunday of lent, there is a parade of violet-covered litters in the Graça district; this ritual has gone on since the 16 th century.
The famous music of Portugal is Fado, which means roughly ‘common human feeling.’ Much like its namesake, the music Fado is very emotional, if not melancholy in nature. The origins of the music are thought to be a combination of Arabic influence from progugese sailers and Africa slave music. Lisbon Fado (there are two types) is performed by women and communicates a mix of suffering, love, nostalgia and pain.
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Lisbon Weather
July and August tend to be the hottest months so if you are planning on visiting the Portuguese coasts or islands for their beatiful beaches, these may be a good choice though you will be caught up with the rest of the tourists as it is the peak season especially English and German tourists.
A good month to travel will be June and September. Weather is still wonderful with quite a bit fewer travelers The worst weather begins from November to March. This the only time frame of the year you won't find Lisbon overcrowded. Holidays to watch out for are the religious days and each town/city has their own saints so it is celebrated on different days. Check the town or city you are traveling to for the specifics but here are some major ones for the year: January 1st - New Year's Day February 28th - Mardi Gras (last day of Carnival) / Shrove Tuesday April 13th - Easter Thursday (Banks only, afternoon) April 14th - Easter Friday April 15th - Liberation Day (marks the Revolução dos Clavos or Carnation Revolution) May 1 - Labour Day June 10 - National Day June 13 - San Antonio/St. Anthony (Lisbon only) June 15 - Corpus Christi August 15 - Assumption October 5 - Proclamation of the Republic November 1 - All Saints' Day December 1 - Independence Day December 8 - Immaculate Conception December 25 - Christmas. So pack your bags and get ready for a good trip!
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