Holidays & Observances in Portugal

Portugal is a country in Western Europe. Its people have always been highly adventurous and curious, so it has been a colonial powerhouse since the 15th century, and has had colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The modern culture of Portugal is influenced by many of these places, but it is also deeply rooted in conservative Christian values. Roman Catholicism is the most common religion in Portugal, practiced by about 95% of the population, so it greatly affects the everyday life of the people. Holidays in Portugal celebrate their great love of Christianity and their rich and long cultural history.