The Culture of Portugal Michelle Stevens

History and Ethnic Relations Portugal became an independent kingdom in 1140 In the 15 th century the Portuguese introduced the Age of Discovery The Seaborne empire was expanded for 300 centuries The nation is none for its racial tolerance Portugal had history with the African colonial system until 1974 In 1994 Portugal became a member of the European Community Portugal has retained the language and cultures of the people that migrate there

Architecture This picture represents most of the way the houses are built with the stucco walls, tubular clay or flat roofs. Each location of the cities north, south, east or west have some similarity in style.

Purchasing real estate in Portugal A Portuguese real estate company is called an agenzia inmobiliaria. When you buy property a verbal agreement is usually made then a contract is made to complete the transaction. The process is similar to the way we make real estate transactions here.

Countries that speak Portuguese Over 236 million people speak Portuguese. Some of the countries are Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea Bissau Mozambique, Principe, Sao Tome, Equatorial Guinea, India, Macao, East Timor,

This is a Nativity Scene displayed at Christmas There are 13 major holidays celebrated. New Years day Jan. 1- Mardi Gras Feb. 8- Good Friday March 25-Freedom Day April 25,- Labor Day May 1,-Corpus Crispi Day May 26, - Portugal Day June 10,-Assumption Day Aug.15,- Republic Day Oct. 5,-All Saints Day Nov. 1,- Restoration of Independence Day Dec. 1- Immaculate Conception Day Dec. 8-Christmas Day Dec.25

Pictures of some Celebrations in Portugal

Facts about Portugal Portugal is the size of Vermont. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe. The entire west coast faces the Atlantic Ocean. There is a relatively low cost of living in Portugal. Many trans-Atlantic cruise ships land there. Portugal has a population of less than 11 million. The primary religion is Roman Catholic The time zone is 5hours ahead of ours There are over 12 million cell phone users There are over 5 million internet users

Social facts Families Family comes before friends and business Close extended families Extremely polite to everyone Appearance very important Clothes indicate social standing and success Etiquette Great people with handshake and direct eye contact Initial greetings reserved but polite Once personal relationship established men greet each other with a handshake and a hug, women kiss twice on the right cheek People are addressed as Senhor and Senhora Wait until you are told to use someone's first name Social More relaxed attitude towards time and deadlines are not crucial Criticism is not appreciated Information is not volunteered unless solicited Do not discuss business in social settings Keep napkins to the left never on your lap during meals Leave some food on your plate when you are done eating

Bibliography

Practical Applications The information I gathered can be used socially and in the classroom. In the classroom I will understand that a student may prefer to be called on rather than raise his/her hand during instructional times. I will remember that it is important to use eye contact and handshaking when I greet the family. I will address the adults using Senhora or Senhor. Since the family is a very strong unit I will plan events that center around family participation. Some of the holidays that are similar to ours but celebrated on other dates will be acknowledged by the classroom.