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The Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival

The Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival From its modest beginnings to its current status as a must-attend event on the European cinema scene, the Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival (LEFFEST) has become a major landmark in the Portuguese cultural landscape. From the chic coastline of Estoril to the capital Lisbon, this festival has managed to transform itself, blend different arts and attract prestigious names, all while building its own identity.

Pastéis de Nata: History and Secrets of the Recipe

It’s hard to imagine a stay in Portugal without tasting a warm pastel de nata, with its crisp flaky crust and delicately caramelized custard. These small tarts, known as pastéis de Belém when they come from the famous Lisbon pastry shop, have become one of the country’s greatest gastronomic symbols. Their popularity has long surpassed Portugal’s borders: today, you can find them in Paris, London, New York, or Tokyo — but their true authenticity lies in the Lisbon tradition, passed down for more than two centuries.

The Unusual Museums of Portugal

When we think of museums, we often imagine long silent halls, paintings we look at without daring to speak, and guards following us out of the corner of their eye. But in Portugal, museums have an entirely different flavour. Here, they sometimes smell of the sea, of polished wood, of aged leather… and even of grilled sardines ! From north to south, the country is full of quirky, playful, sometimes slightly eccentric museums that tell its story in their own way. Forget the clichés : make room for curiosity, creativity, a touch of fantasy, and above all, some really fun outing ideas !

Portuguese Designers Rising on the International Stage

Portuguese fashion is deeply rooted in a rich artisanal tradition, especially in the regions of Minho and Alentejo, where weaving, embroidery and lace-making are ancestral crafts. And good news : these techniques are still alive today !

Lisbon Fashion Week, Showcasing Portuguese Creativi

When Lisbon dons the attire of a creator and its streets transform into runways, it’s clear that ModaLisboa, the Lisbon Fashion Week, has returned !

Cristiano Ronaldo : the journey of a living legend

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy the laws of time. Over 900 goals, a biological age estimated at 29, six European Championships contested, five Champions League titles… the numbers are staggering.

Maritime Museum in Belém, The Soul of Portuguese Navigators

On the banks of the Tagus River, near the historic Belém Tower in Lisbon, lies a place that transports visitors to the heart of Portugal’s great maritime adventures : the Maritime Museum (“Museu da Marinha” in Portuguese).

Sea Festivals in the Algarve

In the Algarve, the sea is more than a blue horizon — it’s a way of life, an identity, a shared memory. From fishing villages to seaside resorts, Portugal’s southern coast comes alive every summer with maritime celebrations. These festivals pay tribute to the ocean, the fishermen, and the sense of community that defines the region. Colorful lights shimmer on the waves, boats are dressed in flags, and the scent of grilled fish drifts through the warm evening air.

Boom Festival : Trance, Ecology & Good Vibes in the Heart of Portugal

Picture this : it’s summer, you’re by a Portuguese lake, hair blowing in the breeze, feet bare in the grass (yes, go on, get comfy!). Around you, thousands of people from all over the world have gathered to dance to the rhythm of psy-trance but also (and above all) to celebrate a shared commitment : living the festival spirit while respecting the planet. Welcome to Boom Festival !

The National Azulejo Museum in Lisbon

A true cultural treasure lies hidden in the peaceful neighbourhood of Xabregas in Lisbon: the National Azulejo Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo). Often overlooked by tourists, this museum, housed in the magnificent Madre de Deus Convent founded in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor, is well worth a visit.

Serralves in Porto, Contemporary Art in a Green Haven

Just a few minutes from Porto’s busiest avenues lies a true sanctuary of contemporary art and nature: the Serralves Foundation. Less visited than other urban landmarks in the city, this unique complex combines modern architecture, a romantic garden, and (very) daring exhibitions. If you are looking for a cultural experience in a green setting, this place is well worth your attention !

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum : Lisbon’s Hidden Masterpiece

In the heart of a quiet Lisbon district, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, lies a treasure often overlooked : the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum! A true gem for art lovers (and not only them), this place is often described as a “hidden masterpiece”, as its richness far exceeds its sober appearance and discreet location…

Fado Museum in Lisbon, Living Memory of a Music

In the heart of Lisbon’s historic Alfama district, the Fado Museum is a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the musical soul of Portugal ! Opened on 25 September 1998, this museum is entirely dedicated to fado, the melancholic and passionate Portuguese music genre.

Meeting the Leather and Wood Artisans of Portugal

Portugal is a country where craftsmanship is far more than a profession: it is a true tradition, passed down from generation to generation ! Among its most emblematic skills, leather and woodwork stand out strongly.

Filigree Art, Portuguese Gold and Silver Jewellery

Portugal boasts a rich artisanal heritage, and among its treasures, filigree art shines for its finesse, delicacy, and timeless elegance ! Filigree is an ancestral jewellery technique that involves working gold or silver into extremely fine threads to create intricate patterns.

Traditional Pottery of Estremoz

The town of Estremoz, situated in the heart of Alentejo, is renowned for much more than its castles and striking white marble! It is home to an ancient craft: traditional pottery. This millennia-old art, passed down through generations, reflects the history, creativity, and expertise of local artisans.

Madeira Embroidery and Viana Lace – A Preserved Craft

Portugal is full of artisanal traditions that reflect its rich cultural heritage and the skills passed down through generations. Among these treasures, two techniques stand out for their delicacy, beauty, and let’s be honest, their poetic charm: Madeira embroidery and Viana lace.

Cork, a National Treasure

Cork is not just a material ; it is a true natural and cultural treasure of Portugal ! A symbol of sustainability, ingenuity, and refined craftsmanship, it lies at the heart of national identity and features in our homes in both traditional and modern forms (especially among the Portuguese).

The Feast of São João in Porto, between lanterns, sardines, and plastic hammers

Porto, on the evening of June 24… The air smells of grilled sardines, colorful garlands dance in the wind, and a strange noise echoes through the narrow streets: clack, clack, clack. No, it’s not a nighttime construction site, but thousands of plastic hammers joyfully tapping consenting heads. Welcome to the Feast of São João, one of the most anticipated events of the year in Portugal and without a doubt, the happiest chaos you’ll ever experience !

The Great Contemporary Portuguese Writers : Lobo Antunes, Saramago and Dulce Maria Cardoso

Ah, Portugal… known for its golden beaches, pastéis de nata, and fado singers whose voices carry heartbreak like no one else’s. But did you know that this small country also produces writers capable of stirring the entire world ? Yes, because here, words have character, they smell of strong coffee, Atlantic salt, and just the right touch of saudade ! So, get comfy (with a cup of coffee, of course), and let me take you to meet three giants of contemporary Portuguese literature : António Lobo Antunes, José Saramago, and Dulce Maria Cardoso.

Religious processions, a Portugal between fervour and folklore

In Portugal, faith does not hide. It is sung, sometimes danced, adorned with flowers and light. It even flows down into the streets, to the sound of bells and drums, carried by entire generations. Whether you are a believer, a simple onlooker or a lover of shared emotions, attending a religious procession in Portugal means diving into one of the most profound and authentic aspects of Portuguese culture! Between fervour, tradition and popular spectacle, these parades reveal the soul of a country where spirituality often rhymes with conviviality.

The Harvest in the Douro Valley

Between sweat, laughter and Port wine… Portugal in all its splendour! The sun beats down on the golden slopes of the Douro. The vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, perfectly aligned on terraced hills that seem to defy gravity. The air smells of ripe grapes, warm earth and… a little sweat too (let’s not kid ourselves, harvesting here is no leisure sport!). In this valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, every autumn follows the same ritual: hundreds of hands at work, scissors clicking, laughter echoing, and the wine… that famous Douro wine… begins its new life !

Festa do Avante : Culture and Politics in Music

If you’re looking for a festival “like all the others,” you can stop right here… because the Festa do Avante is anything but ordinary. It’s not just a music event with food trucks, 90s nostalgia, and lukewarm beer stands. No, it’s something else entirely! It’s a slice of the country, a piece of political history, a celebration of popular culture, a family gathering, a political meeting, a giant fair… all wrapped into three intense days. And yes, there’s music. A lot of it!

Catarina Furtado, An Iconic Figure of Portuguese Television

Come on, admit it, if you grew up in Portugal (or you’ve zapped through RTP at least once), you’ve definitely seen her radiant smile on screen. Catarina Furtado is pretty much the “queen of Portuguese television” — charismatic, compassionate, and honestly, impossible to label (and what a woman !). She’s that kind of personality you feel you’ve known forever (the one we love to tease a little… before inevitably ending up admiring her, of course).

Azulejos: the Art of Portuguese Ceramics Through the Centuries

In Portugal, you only need to look up to see azulejos. These glazed ceramic tiles decorate the façades of houses, churches, palaces, train stations, and even some metro stations. Their blue and white shine has become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols. But behind their beauty lies a long and rich history, shaped by cultural exchanges, technical innovations, and artistic evolution.

Festa da Flor in Madeira: explosion of colors and traditions

There are moments when Madeira feels like a dream. The air is soft, the breeze carries the scent of jasmine and orchids, and the mountains glow in every shade of green. But it’s in spring, during the Festa da Flor, that the island truly reveals its soul.

Portuguese Actors Making It in Hollywood

Ah, Portugal! A small country with giant waves… and actors who sometimes surf all the way to Hollywood. Yes, you read that right, Lusophone faces going from local telenovelas to massive American productions. Kind of like going from your café da manhã straight to the Hollywood spotlight… in sneakers! Let’s take a tour, with a pinch of humor, curiosity, and of course Portuguese pride.

Amália Rodrigues, the diva who made fado shine across the world

Some artists do not just sing; they embody emotion, history and identity. Amália Rodrigues was one of those rare souls. Born in 1920 in Lisbon’s Mouraria district, she grew up among street vendors, laughter and hardship. There, she discovered fado, the music of love, loss and longing.

The boom of electronic music concerts in Portugal

Just over a decade ago, electronic music in Portugal was still an underground movement. Today, it’s everywhere. From Lisbon’s nightclubs to the beaches of the Algarve, from mountain raves to massive festivals, the country has found its rhythm.

Portugal’s Legendary Concert Halls: Coliseu, Altice Arena, Casa da Música

Every country has its sacred stages, those places where emotions turn into something timeless. In Portugal, three venues stand above all others: the Coliseu, the Altice Arena, and the Casa da Música. Each one captures a different heartbeat of the nation — the nostalgic, the modern, and the visionary.

Daniela Ruah, NCIS Star : Born in Boston, Proud of Her Portuguese Roots

Admit it, you’ve probably seen her on your screen, sunglasses on, confident stride, perfectly timed comeback… yes, it’s Special Agent Kensi Blye from NCIS : Los Angeles ! But what many people don’t realize is that behind this Hollywood-style actress lies a truly Portuguese soul. That’s right, Daniela Ruah was born in Boston, but she’s one of Portugal’s brightest stars!

Where to Listen to Authentic Fado in Lisbon and Porto

Fado, inscribed in 2011 by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is much more than a simple musical genre: it is an expression of the Portuguese soul. This deep, emotional singing, accompanied by the Portuguese guitar and classical guitar, conveys saudade — that unique blend of nostalgia, melancholy, and hope that so perfectly defines the Portuguese spirit.

Sailing in Portugal, A Sport Deeply Rooted in History

Portugal and the sea share a bond that flows through the nation’s history like a living current. From the great discoveries of the 15th century to today’s modern regattas, sailing in Portugal is far more than a mere pastime. It is a way of life, a long-standing tradition, and a defining element of national identity. Whether you are an experienced sailor craving the thrill of the open ocean, a family looking for a calm sunset cruise, or simply a curious traveller wanting to experience the maritime culture, Portugal’s waters promise unforgettable adventures. Picture yourself on the deck of a sleek sailboat, the wind filling the sails, the sun glinting off the water, and the coastline unfolding in front of you, this is the essence of sailing in Portugal.

The Portuguese Carnivals, from Torres Vedras to Ovar

February in Portugal isn’t just the month of gentle rain and steaming coffee. It’s above all the time when the whole country dresses up, puts on makeup, dances, sings and laughs until losing its voice… Because here, Carnival isn’t just a parade! It’s an institution, a collective outburst of joy, a cheerful, well-organised chaos.

Futsal: passion popular and world champions

Futsal isn’t just reduced-sized football: it’s its own universe, with a pace that grabs you, rules that keep you thinking, and that dash of madness that turns each match into a spectacle. Played five-a-side on smaller surfaces, it’s so fast that even the slightest movement, the tiniest pass, or quickest feint can spark standalone excitement. You might say that futsal is football without pause, without rest, where agility, tactical smarts, team connection matter as much as power or a long ball.

The new wave of Portuguese singers

Portugal is going through a vibrant musical moment. If you thought you already knew all the voices from the country, think again: a new generation of singers is making its mark right now with refreshing energy, blending traditional roots with modern boldness.

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