Category Archives: Events

Calçada Portuguesa (Portuguese sidewalk Pavement)

In Lisbon around year 1500, during the  anniversary celebration of king Manuel, the mud in the streets caused many problems for the annual event. The Portuguese were the first bringing exotic animals from Africa and while parading the famous white rhinoceros in the muddied streets the majestic’s animal feet got covered in mud as did the people in their finest clothing for the anual parade. For this reason was decided that the main streets of Lisbon were to be pave using beautiful white limestone and black basalt nowadays almost sidewalks and squares are pave with the most incredible artistic mosaic.

FESTIVAL! CELEBRATE SANTO ANTONIO

In Lisbon throughout the old quarters during the month of June the Portuguese celebrate with a festival to honor Portugal’s patron saint. For Santo Antonio the streets are decorated with colorful paper flowers.  

It is customary to eat grilled sardines and drink red wine on Saint Antonio night in the main street Avenida Liberdade.  The streets are alive with music and dancing.  

Santo Antonio was born in Lisbon and because of this girls pray to him for a husband.  This is a big day for St  St Antonio brides as about 20 couples get married at the same time.