New Year’s Eve Portuguese style
New Year's Eve in Portugal is a magical feast, where some traditions cannot be left out. Health, peace, love, money and luck are what people usually wish for in the New Year. But to get them, there are rituals to carry out on New Year's Eve. ..
Let off fireworks
Families gather on the terraces and balconies of their houses to carry out this ritual. Rockets, serpents, Roman candles and Saturn shells. .. are some of the most sought-after items in specialist stores. Funchal Bay becomes a magical, improvised stage of lights, colours and sounds. At midnight the official show begins, with dozens of firework launch sites dotted around the city and at sea. It is so large and spectacular that it has been recognised as the biggest fireworks display in the world by Guinness World Records!! One of the best places to see the show is from the terrace of the Porto Santa Maria Hotel, in Funchal’s old town.
Dress up (including your underwear !!)
Eat 12 raisins and toast with champagne
Have money in your pocket and climb a step
Light up the houses and open the windows
Get friends and family together
Beat saucepans
Have a dip in the sea
Watch the sunrise
Have a special breakfast
Whether you’re superstitious or not, join the Portuguese-style New Year's Eve party at PortoBay hotels. May your wishes come true !!
Do your New Year's resolutions include a trip to Brazil? Find out about New Year Brazilian style !!