New Year's Eve in Portugal (Passagem de Ano)

Day and History: New Year's Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is known in Portugal as "Passagem de Ano" or "Noite de São Silvestre." It marks the transition from the old year to the new according to the Gregorian calendar. The history of New Year celebrations dates back to ancient civilizations that observed the end of one cycle and the beginning of another at different times of the year. The current date for New Year's stems from Roman times when January was established as the first month.

Traditions:

• Fireworks: Cities across Portugal light up with spectacular fireworks displays at midnight, with one of the most famous shows occurring over the Tago River in Lisbon.

• Concerts and Parties: Public concerts and street parties are common, where people gather to celebrate with music and dancing.

• Twelve Grapes: Eating twelve grapes at midnight is a tradition for good luck. Each grape represents a month of the coming year.

• Champagne Toast: As in many other countries, toasting with champagne or sparkling wine is customary when welcoming the New Year.

• Superstitions and Rituals: Some Portuguese engage in superstitions like wearing blue underwear for good luck or banging pots and pans to ward off evil spirits.

• Family Gatherings: Many families have dinner together before heading out to public celebrations or private parties.

What People Do:

On this day, Portuguese people typically enjoy meals with family and friends. They may attend public festivities which include music performances, dancing, and communal dining. At midnight, there is a widespread custom of watching fireworks displays. Afterward, celebrations continue into the early hours of January 1st with parties both in homes and public venues such as clubs or bars. Additionally, some people choose to attend religious services that mark the end of one year and pray for blessings in the new one.