Welcome to Lisbon

Lisbon Culture
Portuguese 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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Welcome to Portugal

If you want to check out the Portuguese Tourist Office before booking your trip, the main U.S. branch is in New York City: 590 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036-4704. In Canada, it’s at 600 Bloor Street West, Suite 1005, Toronto, ON M4W 3B8. In the UK, check 22-25A Sackville Street, Second Floor, London W1X 1DE.

There are also several good online resources. The Portugal government agency Investments, Trade, and Tourism of Portugal offers general information on tourism and attractions, plus an extensive list of helpful links. The Portugal Official Tourism website offers information on each region of the country, complete with maps and advice on what to do and see, as well as an accommodation section with pictures of hotels and manor houses. At Portugal Virtual get inside tips on where to visit, what to eat, and what festivals to plan for. There is also detailed information on sightseeing, golf, and accommodation packages. At Order Portugal potential U.S. and Canadian visitors can order brochures by specific subject.

Portugal Weather
As a whole, Portugal is one of the warmest European countries, though the southern region is warmer and drier than the northern areas, which are a bit more cool and rainy. Yearly averages are about 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the south and 55 degrees Fahrenheit to the north. In the summer, the temperatures average more like 95 degrees. During the winter, temperatures rarely dip below 35 degrees, though snow is seen in the northern mountains.

The official tourism season is between spring and fall If you choose to travel during the winter, you will likely find mild but possibly rainy days—with reduced rates for accommodations. As summer temperatures heat up, hotels, restaurants and attractions get more crowded and often, more expensive. Lisbon’s santos populares (popular saints) festival is in June, which attracts large crowds. Other holidays to keep in mind are Carnaval (the day before Ash Wednesday), Liberty Day (April 25), Labor Day (May 1), Corpo de Deus (May 30), Portugal Day (June 10), Feast of the Assumption (August 15), Republic Day (October 5), All Saint’s day (November 1), Independence Day (December 1), and Immaculate Conception (December 8).

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