I prefer Christmas because it is a time when my family comes together. On the 24th and 25th of December, we have dinner and open many different presents. In my opinion, it is more magical and very special. We also decorate the house, put up the Christmas tree, and at the end of the night we play together with our new toys.

So, I prefer Christmas because of the family moments and because it is my favorite holiday.

On Christmas Day, I usually spend the day at my uncle’s house with my cousins. During the day, we watch christmas movies and play games. Later, we have dinner together, which is always very special. After dinner, we gather around the Christmas tree and open our presents.

I like Christmas because I can spend time with my family and feel happy.

My family and I celebrate by eating sardines and having fun with plastic hammers, gently hitting each other on the head. At the end of the day, many people go outside to celebrate together and enjoy the atmosphere.

In conclusion, for me, this is the best local holiday because I love eating sardines and spending time with my family.

During this night, people gather in the city centre to eat traditional food such as grilled sardines, caldo verde, and bread with chorizo. The streets are decorated with colourful lights and balloons, and there is a magical atmosphere everywhere. At midnight, people launch beautiful fireworks over the Douro River, especially near the Ribeira area, which is one of the most iconic moments of the celebration.

One of the funniest traditions is hitting people gently on the head with plastic hammers or garlic flowers, which symbolizes good luck. Many people also release hot air balloons into the sky, creating a stunning view. I really love this festival because it is full of joy, music, and tradition, and it shows the true spirit of my city, Porto.

Easter is celebrated 40 days after Carnival, marking the period known as Lent. Although it is observed in many Western countries, its meaning is especially important for Christians, as it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death. During this time, people often take part in religious activities, such as going to church. There are also cultural traditions, like Easter egg hunts and spending time with family.

Personally, I think Easter is one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year. It combines fun activities with meaningful traditions, and it is also a great opportunity to enjoy good food and spend time with family.

Christmas is celebrated on the night of the 24th of December and throughout the day on the 25th. At Christmas, we celebrate the day that Jesus Christ was born. In Portugal, we have a tradition of having dinner with our family. Sometimes we are with people we don’t see during the rest of the year, and it feels magical. Normally, we eat codfish and octopus. In addition, we have traditional desserts like “rabanadas,” “bolo rei,” “pão de ló,” and others that make Christmas night so special.

Actually, I believe that Christmas is my favorite time of the year, because I can eat delicious food, spend time with my family, play games, decorate a Christmas tree, and enjoy the smell of food and the special moments at midnight when we give presents to our family. The feeling of listening to the same music every year is unforgettable.

São João is celebrated in Porto. It starts on the 23rd of June and ends on the 24th of June. On this day, we celebrate with food, balloons, and fireworks. In the sky, we see fireworks and, from the bridge, there is a big fireworks display for about 15 minutes.

I like São João because people share the same place and have fun together.

Hi, my name is Marta. I’m 16 years old and I’m Portuguese. Today I’m going to present to you my favourite Portuguese festivity: São João.

It takes place in June, from the night of the 23rd to the 24th. I think everyone celebrates it differently, but in my family we gather together at my grandmother’s house. We decorate her garden and everyone helps. Later that night, we have dinner together. The traditional dish is sardines, but not everyone likes them, so we also grill some meat. I believe that what makes this festivity unique is the fireworks show, usually held near the bridges. I personally love the part when people light and release balloons into the air, it feels really magical.

However, for me, the best part of São João is that it marks the beginning of summer, and that I’m able to spend quality time with my family.

São João is my favourite festivity. It originally comes from my city, Porto, so I have been used to it since I was a child, and it has become a family tradition. When I was younger, I used to take the famous plastic hammers with me for the night while waiting for the fireworks.

As a kid, I would often get tired of waiting to see the fireworks and the balloons, but now I have such great memories of those moments.

We celebrate São João on the night of the 23rd to the 24th of June, mainly in the north of Portugal. People usually eat sardines, gently hit each other on the head with plastic hammers, and release hot air balloons.

I love this holiday because I spend time with my family, and my favourite part is watching the fireworks together.

São João is a festival celebrated on the 24th of June, and it is especially popular in Porto. On this day, people follow many traditions. The typical food is sardines, and everyone releases balloons into the sky.

The main reason why I like São João is because I spend time with my family.

It falls on June 12th, and on that day , we celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing affection with someone we love. if you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you can give something to a family member, like your mom or granny. and if you wish, you also can give something to a friend.

It’s special because you can share affection with your favorite person and recieve something too, and i love that date.

The celebration happens mainly in the city center of Porto, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the night. The streets fill with music, laughter, and excitement as people gather to celebrate together. Traditional foods like grilled sardines and octopus are very popular, often accompanied by refreshing drinks. One of the most amusing customs is the use of colorful plastic hammers, which people playfully use to tap each other on the head, creating a fun and friendly environment. What amazes me the most about São João are the incredible fireworks at midnight, lighting up the sky in a breathtaking display, along with the beautiful fire lanterns released by the people.

Overall, it is a cheerful and vibrant holiday where everyone comes together, laughing, celebrating, and enjoying the moment in a truly unforgettable way.

Lara Ferreira, 11th I

I celebrate Easter with my family in my hometown, Celorico de Basto. It is celebrated in early April, but the exact date changes every year.

In my hometown, Easter is celebrated in a very special and beautiful way. We wake up early to decorate the front of our house with flowers. While we wait, a group of people goes from house to house carrying a cross.

When they arrive at our house, we go outside and kiss the cross. Sometimes, people also leave money as an offering.

One thing that makes this tradition unique is that everyone eats and drinks together, socializes, and sometimes even joins the group to visit other houses.

São João is a Portuguese tradition that takes place in the city of Porto. It starts on the 23rd of June and ends on the 24th of June. On São João’s Day, we usually eat sardines. We also light balloons so they can float into the sky, and at midnight, on the 24th of June, the boats on the Douro River launch fireworks for about 15 minutes.

I really like São João’s Day tradition because, during that night, people socialize a lot and enjoy all the celebrations.

    My name is Lara Teixeira, and São João is my favourite festival. Saint John’s Day, known as São João, is a traditional celebration in Portugal, especially in Porto. It takes place on the night of June 23rd and is known for its lively atmosphere and cultural traditions.

    During this night, people go out into the streets to eat grilled sardines, listen to music, and celebrate with friends. A funny tradition is hitting others on the head with plastic hammers, which is meant to be playful. At midnight, there are fireworks and many people release paper balloons into the sky.

    In conclusion, São João is a joyful and unique celebration that brings people together. It is an important part of Portuguese culture and creates unforgettable memories for everyone who takes part in it.

Lara Teixeira 11I

During this festival, people go out into the streets carrying plastic hammers and playfully hit each other on the head. People also release fire balloons into the sky. There are traditional foods as well, such as caldo verde and sardines. Caldo verde is a type of soup, and sardines are small fish. At midnight, between the night of the 23rd and the 24th of June, there are fireworks.

The reason I like this tradition is because I can spend time with family members that I don’t usually see.

Hello, my name is Clara Lima. I’m Portuguese, and if I had to choose a traditional festive day, I would probably choose São João Day.

São João is celebrated on the night of June 23rd in Porto and marks the beginning of summer. Usually, people gather with their neighbors, walk through the streets of the city, release hot air balloons into the sky, and watch the fireworks. It is also common to listen to music, dance, and enjoy traditional food during the celebration.

In my opinion, one thing that makes it unique is the feeling of union and love between people who don’t even know each other. For one night, it feels like the whole city is one big family celebrating the same thing.

In my family, we celebrate Christmas at my grandmother’s house. We all sit together for dinner and eat traditional food, such as codfish with potatoes. Our desserts are traditional too, we have King cake, Portuguese French toast, Portuguese sponge cake, and many others delicious treats. At midnight, someone dresses up as Santa Claus and give presents to the children and then when he leaves we all open our grifts.

I really like this celebration because the whole family can be together, and we create new memories that we will always remember.

Easter is celebrated in spring ,usually in March or April. It is both a religious and cultural celebration. People go to church , visit family ,and give chocolate egos to children.

In my case , i go to my grandmother’s house, where after lunch we organise an Easter egg hunt. I love Easter because I spend time with my family. It is also a moment of happiness and tradition.

The Day of São Martinho isn’t a national holiday, but in some cities it is, such as Penafiel and Alijó. Even so, it is celebrated all over the country on the eleventh of November. On that day, people eat chestnuts served in newspaper cones and drink wine.

I don’t really like this holiday very much because I don’t eat chestnuts, but I enjoy seeing people laughing together and celebrating the day—especially because it’s also my birthday.

São Gonçalo is a traditional celebration that takes place in Mafamude, in Vila Nova De Gaia every year on January 5th. People go to the streets to pray to São Gonçalo and help those in need. Many associations join the celebration and play tambourines while walking in a parade.

One thing that makes this tradition unique is the kindness of the people and the sound of the tambourines, which reminds me of my childhood, because my father used to play that instrument when I was younger and I take part of that association too.

My favorite cultural festivity is São João, a very popular celebration in Porto.

It takes place on the night of 23rd of June and continues into de 24th. On that night, people usually eat grilled sardines with friends or family , either at home or in restaurants. After dinner, the streets fill with people celebrating together, watching the fireworks, and carrying small plastic hammers that they use tho gently tap other on the head in a fun and friendly way.

Personally, I love this celebration because it has been a part of my life since I was a child. I always went to my cousin's house in the afternoon, where we had dinner together. Afterwards, we would go near the bridge to watch the fireworks, creating memories that I will always treasure.

It takes place between May 15th and June 7th and is a widely celebrated religious festival. There is a religious procession near the Igreja do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, followed by a festive procession featuring participants dressed in traditional costumes known as “Cabeçudos,” characterized by their oversized heads. Throughout the event, there is also a fair with roller coasters, popcorn and cotton candy stalls, bumper cars, and shooting galleries. Additionally, there are stands selling drinks and traditional food such as pão com chouriço, a type of bread filled with smoked chorizo, and ginginha, a sweet cherry liqueur. Concerts are held on specific dates, and the festivities often conclude with impressive fireworks displays.

To conclude, Senhor de Matosinhos offers a wide variety of activities throughout the day, allowing people to have fun and fully enjoy the celebration. It is one of my favorite traditions.

São João is celebrated on the night of June 23 to June 24. On that day, people go out into the streets and hit each other on the head with plastic hammers, release hot air balloons, watch fireworks, and celebrate with music and dancing.

What impressed me the most is everyone being together, like family or friends, laughing and doing the activities. It is a unique moment of the day for me.

Hello! My name is Sofia, I’m from Portugal, and I absolutely love S.João.

It takes place on June 24th in Porto. On this day, people gather to eat grilled sardines, head down to the Douro river to watch the midnight fireworks, and playfully hit each other on the head with plastic hammers just for fun.

What amazes me the most is how everyone seems happier, enjoying the moment and celebrating with their families and friends.

Christmas is a really enjoyable time of the year. The days before the actual celebration, which takes place on the 25th of December, are always filled with joy and excitement. Since it is when all the preparations are made, these days are especially meaningful, and everyone dedicates their time to them.

I see Christmas as a cozy and warm time. I enjoy helping my family with Christmas shopping, baking, and preparing all the typical pastries and dishes that are part of our tradition. Altogether, it makes the season very special.

São João is a traditional festival from the North region of Portugal, more specifically from the district of Porto. It is celebrated on the 24th of June, and it is a day when thousands of people from different places come together to leave their homes, have fun, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. You can see crowds filling the riverbanks of the Douro River and both ends of the Dom Luís I Bridge (Vila Nova de Gaia’s side and Porto’s side). People walk around with rubber hammers in their hands and release hot air balloons lit with fire. Since it is celebrated from the 23rd to the 24th, at midnight, fireworks are launched into the sky above the river, creating a beautiful and unforgettable view.

São João is a really fun and lively festival, and it creates unforgettable memories when celebrated with the right people in the right way.

São João’s Day is celebrated from the night of June 23rd to June 24th in Porto, next to the river, and there are fireworks. What makes this celebration unique is that people walk around with rubber hammers and lightly bonk other people on the head with them.

Each year I’m more and more surprised at how a celebration like this can bring people together.

This festival takes place in Matosinhos during the summer, and it has popular music, games to play in groups, tradicional foods like bifanas and churros, and carrousels.

Personally, these celebrations are unique and special because of the vibe and the unity between people.

Diwali does not have a fixed date according to the English calendar. This is because in my religion, Hinduism, we follow our own calendar to celebrate festivals. Diwali is usually celebrated over two days, but the main celebration takes place on the second day. On this day, families pray together in their homes or temples and enjoy sweets and delicious food. The celebration is made more joyful with fireworks and the exchange of gifts. Diwali usually falls in the winter season. Before the festival, we clean our homes to welcome prosperity, happiness, and good health.

I really like how Diwali represents the victory of good over evil. It is deeply connected to our traditions, and it brings happiness to every member of the family. The atmosphere during Diwali feels joyful and full of positivity.

São João is celebrated in 23th June, it's a tipical celebration in Porto, and I characterize it by the hammers, the fireworks, the songs, the people on the street and the São João Ballon, when all the ballons are in the sky it's very beautiful. The São João comes from ancient summer festivals and became a celebration of São João Batista, keeping tradicions like bonfires and music.

My personal impression about São João is very positive, I love the fireworks in the sky, the moment of Ballon, the sound and the moment in the street when we hit people we don't even know with a hammer and the hang out.

It takes place in June and July. This celebration has its origins in European traditions brought to Brazil and it was adapted with Brazilian culture over time. In the other states, people celebrate São João instead of Festa Junina. It is celebrated in the streets, in schools, and even at home by those who want to. During these winter months, everything gets decorated with little flags, and people also light bonfires, which are a traditional symbol of the celebration. At the parties, people wear “caipira” clothes. The girls wear pink blush with freckles, and the boys wear a moustache made with makeup. One thing that makes it unique is the cuisine, which includes dishes like pinhão cozido, sagu (a dessert made from tapioca pearls, wine and spices), quentão (a warm, spiced, sweet, alcoholic beverage made by heating), canjica (a creamy sweet dish made from white corn kernels, slow-cooked until soft corn), and more. With all the celebration there are also cultural performances, such as Boi de Mamão characteristic music, and traditional dances like quadrilha (a traditional group dance, including playful choreography like mock weddings and rural scenes), as well as seasonal games like fishing games.

What impressed me the most is the richness of its culture: the food, clothes, decorations, music, theater, games, dances and how everyone comes together to enjoy the moment.

It takes place on the 11th of March and unfolds throughout the entire day until dawn. People step out of their homes draped in the Saudi flag; cars display large flags, and their windows are often decorated with the national flag, tribal flags, or images of the royal family. Across Saudi Arabia, people gather in the busy streets of their cities to celebrate, exchanging sweets, candies, and kind words.

What makes this holiday truly remarkable is the way it brings people together in celebration and joy, united by pride in their nation, their culture, and, of course, the Saudi flag.

On Christmas Eve, we have dinner with our parents. In Portugal, we eat codfish for dinner because, in the past, people who didn’t have much money couldn’t afford expensive dishes, so they would buy codfish. Over time, eating codfish became a tradition.

We usually celebrate Christmas in our houses, and we give presents to the ones we love. After dinner, many people go to church for the Midnight Mass, which is an important religious tradition.

At Christmas, we also follow many traditions. Families decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and nativity scenes. In cities like Porto, the streets are decorated with lights, and there are Christmas markets and events that create a very special atmosphere.

For me, Christmas is a moment of love, to share with family and friends, and to enjoy time together.

It takes place on the 23rd of June and is celebrated predominantly in Porto, especially in areas such as Cais de Gaia, where I usually spend the night with my friends, or at my grandmother’s house with my family. The celebration consists of a series of lively customs, including people playfully hitting each other with plastic hammers and gathering in the streets to enjoy music, food, and a convivial environment. A quintessential element of this festivity is the consumption of grilled sardines, which are widely regarded as a traditional delicacy, often accompanied by bread. Additionally, many people enjoy drinking beer or traditional beverages such as vinho verde, which further enhances the festive atmosphere. It is celebrated in an exuberant and dynamic way, with crowds filling the streets, sharing meals, and participating in various traditions that create a sense of unity and festivity.

What truly makes this Portuguese celebration remarkable is that, when it gets dark, if you look up at the sky, you will see hundreds of luminous balloons ascending gracefully, and also, towards the end of the night, there is an absolutely astonishing fireworks display that illuminates the entire city.

Tchiloli is a theatre play about colonial times, combining Portuguese and African heritage. It takes place several times throughout the year. Only men can participate in this play, and they perform all the characters, including female roles. Usually, they appear in the streets in costume, and people start following them to watch the performance.

I love Tchiloli because the actors are very funny and truly passionate about what they do. Everyone enjoys the play, as the audience also becomes part of it. It is both entertaining and meaningful at the same time.

Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world and across numerous cultures, particularly in regions where Christianity is the dominant religion. The official date of this celebration is December 25th, which, according to Christian belief, marks the birth of God. It is typically celebrated by placing presents under a decorated tree, spending quality time with family, and enjoying special meals on Christmas Eve, the 24th of December.

I have always loved it because it feels like a magical time when everyone is kinder, the food is delicious and abundant, and the festive music adds to the joyful atmosphere.

São João is celebrated on the 23rd of June, in the city of Porto. On this day, people go out into the streets or stay near their homes to watch fireworks, hit each other with plastic hammers in a fun way, and release hot air balloons into the sky.

There are also concerts and live music on stages around the city where people dance and celebrate together.

Families also come together to eat traditional São João food, such as grilled sardines, grilled peppers, and grilled pork.

What I like most about this day is how everyone is happier and more united. São João also reminds me of the beginning of summer, and the smell of food in the air makes me feel really happy.

It takes place on June 23rd, and honestly, it's the best celebration ever. I usually start the

night by having dinner with my family. We eat trodicional food like gilled sardines, meat, and caldo verde. Then, we have a dance competition, we create groups, and we play Portuguese songs. There’s always a lot of energy and laughter. One of the funniest tradicions is the plastic hammers. People walk around hitting each other on the head with them. We also relese hot air ballons into the sky, which makes the night look special. As midnight gets closer, I go out with my friends to a place near the Douro River, where we watch the fireworks together.

For me, São João it’s a day full of joy, happiness, and connection. I love the atmosphere, the smiles, the loud laughs, the music and the smell of Portuguese food.

Between the 24th and the 25th of December, families get together to celebrate Christmas. According to the Christian religion, this day marks the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; therefore, it is considered a special day for those who deeply believe He is their Messiah, their Savior. There is also another, more social perspective. It involves the tradition of Santa Claus, a legendary figure said to deliver presents to children all around the world. People, usually around midnight, gather together to share and open presents, which is also a way of strengthening bonds.

One thing that strikes me is the fact that during dinner time we usually eat one of my favourite dishes: codfish with cream, served with fries, and also the fact that it is one of my family members’ birthday, so there is always a cake at the end.

Festa Junina is a cultural celebration that takes place in the month of June in Brazil. It is a countryside-themed party that most people celebrate.

Because it is inspired by rural traditions, people like to dress in caipira style clothes, such as plaid shirts, colorful and flashy dresses, boots, cowboy hats, and hairstyles like Maria Chiquinha. Some people also draw black freckles on their faces to complete the look.

Usually, two people are chosen to play the roles of the bride and the groom, which is part of the traditional performance. This party includes many dances, but the main ones are the Quadrilha and Forró. During the Quadrilha, there is a famous and fun phrase: “Olha a cobra… É mentira!”. This dance is typically performed in pairs.

Festa Junina also has a wide variety of traditional foods, such as mingau de milho verde, arroz doce, milho cozido, canjica, bolo de milho, pé de moleque, and pamonha. As you can see, corn is the main ingredient in many of these dishes.

I love this celebration and I really miss participating in it. It is a cultural tradition that brings people closer together, where everyone gathers to have fun and enjoy the moment.

Hello, my name is Miguel Ferreira and I am Portuguese. My favorite cultural celebration is Easter, which is usually celebrated in April. In my family, we celebrate it mainly for religious reasons. Easter is a very ancient celebration that comes from the Jewish Passover, dating back to the time of Moses, who led his people out of slavery in Egypt.

Later, with Jesus Christ, Easter became a Christian celebration about his death and resurrection. Christians celebrate Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the moment when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Olives, Good Friday (when he was crucified), and Easter Sunday, when he rose from the dead.

In my family, we celebrate Easter by singing songs, reading the Bible, spending time together, and eating traditional food. I am not Catholic, so I celebrate it with less focus on Jesus’ death and more on his resurrection and on valuing family time. And of course, I eat a lot of chocolate eggs.

“Festa junina” is a Brazilian celebration which people celebrate about Santo Antônio, João and Pedro. It happens in June, especially on June 24th. People eat “caldo de mandioca”, “maçã do amor”, but mostly “canjica”, (which is a sweet dish made from white corn cooked with milk, sugar, and sometimes coconut and cinnamon). What makes “Festa junina” so good are the games we play, like fishing and riding the mechanic bull, and also the songs, while people jump over a campfire.

For conclusion, “Festa junina” is a very special celebration with many activities, songs and food.

This celebration takes place on the night of June 23rd into the early hours of June 24th. It is a very beautiful night, as people release illuminated paper lanterns into the sky and enjoy fireworks across the city. It is also traditional to eat grilled sardines, and people carry small plastic hammers and playfully tap each other on the head, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

I really love São João because I spend it with my family every year, and I always enjoy seeing the sky light up during this magical night.

Hello! My name is Sofia. I am a Portuguese girl who loves Magusto.

It falls on November 11th and is a traditional Portuguese celebration. As the legend says, “regardless of the rain, this is always a sunny day” and it comes from the legend of Saint Martin, a soldier who shared his cloak with a poor man. The tradition consists of eating roasted chestnuts by the fire, and what makes it unique is the way people celebrate it. When I was younger, we stayed around the campfire watching the chestnuts burn, which was an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, children would soil their faces with ashes from the fire and run after other children to dirty them too.

What impressed me the most is the way we played and celebrated Magusto, making it one of the funniest experiences!

São João is celebrated on June 23rd in Porto and is a local holiday. People celebrate with friends and family, often going to places like Ribeira, Fontainhas, Jardim do Morro, and Cais de Gaia near the Dom Luís I Bridge. They eat grilled sardines, walk through the streets, and watch fireworks by the Douro River. A popular tradition is hitting people on the head with small plastic hammers and socializing.

In conclusion, São João do Porto is a joyful and unique tradition that brings people together. It is a celebration full of food, music, and fun, making it my favorite Portuguese tradition.