Discover Portugal’s Most Unusual Customs, From Bone Chapels to Phallic Cakes
Portugal is a land of vibrant culture, sun-kissed coasts, and... extremely peculiar traditions. Beyond the iconic pastéis de nata and Fado music, the country hides customs that range from macabre to whimsical. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious, here are 10 bizarre Portuguese traditions that’ll make you rethink "normal."
Bone Chapels: A Skeletal Art Gallery
In Évora, the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) is a chilling masterpiece crafted from the remains of 5,000 monks. Built in the 16th century to address overcrowded cemeteries, its walls, and columns are adorned with skulls and femurs. A haunting inscription at the entrance reads: “We bones here await yours.”Where to see it: Visit the Royal Church of St. Francis in Évora. Pro tip: Pair this eerie stop with a day trip to the Alentejo’s vineyards for a mood-balancing wine tasting.
Epiphany Smoking Kids: A Controversial Rite of Passage
In the remote village of Vale de Salgueiro, children as young as five are handed cigarettes during Epiphany (January 6th). Locals defend this centuries-old ritual as a symbolic “coming of age,” though its origins remain unclear. Critics argue it normalizes smoking, but villagers insist it’s a cultural heirloom.
São João Festival: Smack Someone With a Plastic Hammer
Porto’s Festa de São João (June 23–24) turns the city into a playful battleground. Revelers hit strangers with squeaky plastic hammers or rub leeks (alho-porro) on their faces for good luck. The tradition started with a plastics factory owner’s quirky marketing stunt and has since become a hallmark of Porto’s summer madness.
Caretos de Podence: Pagan Masked Mischief
During Carnival in Bragança, the Caretos—masked men clad in colorful wool costumes with bells—roam the streets. Rooted in Celtic fertility rituals, they playfully chase women and rattle their belts to “scare away evil spirits.” The tradition, recognized by UNESCO, feels like a scene from a surreal folk tale.
Wax Body Parts: Burning Promises to Saints
At churches like Fátima, devotees leave wax replicas of body parts (promessas de cera)—hearts, limbs, even babies—as offerings for healing. These are tossed into bonfires, symbolizing prayers rising to heaven. The larger the wax figure, the bigger the plea (and price tag).
Maios Dolls: Scarecrow Satire in the Azores
On May 1st, the Azores display Maios—life-sized rag dolls dressed as farmers, politicians, or celebrities. These satirical figures, placed on doorsteps or squares, mock societal norms and “ward off evil.” Some even wear QR codes linking to humorous backstories!
Pimba Music: Raunchy Beats & Double Entendres
Forget Adele—Portugal’s rural heartlands groove to Pimba, a cheeky music genre blending accordions and very suggestive lyrics. Think: songs about codfish (bacalhau) as a metaphor for… other things. The 1995 hit “Pimba Pimba” catapulted the genre to fame, and it’s a staple at weddings and summer festivals.
Phallic Cakes & Pottery: Fertility Symbols
In Amarante and Caldas da Rainha, you’ll find pastries and pottery shaped like… well, male anatomy. These cheeky creations date back to pagan fertility rites. The town of Caldas even hosts an annual phallic pottery fair—perfect for a NSFW souvenir.
Festa dos Tabuleiros: Bread Towers & Sacred Parades
Every four years, Tomar hosts the Festa dos Tabuleiros, where women balance 30-kg towers of bread, flowers, and paper crowns on their heads. The parade honors the Holy Spirit and Portugal’s agrarian roots. It’s as precarious as it is photogenic—don’t miss the 2025 edition!
Bizarre Foods: From Pig Brains to… Donkey?
Portuguese cuisine isn’t all grilled sardines. Dare to try orelheira de porco (pig ears), mão de vaca (cow’s foot stew), or omolete de mioleira (pig brain omelette). And no, burras assadas isn’t roast donkey—it’s roasted pig’s jaw. Adventurous eaters, rejoice!
Why These Traditions Matter
Portugal’s quirks aren’t just for shock value—they’re windows into its history. The Caretos reflect pre-Christian Celtic roots, while Fado (though not bizarre) echoes the saudade (longing) of sailors during the Age of Discoveries. Even the bone chapels serve as medieval memento mori, reminding us to live fully.
Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit: June for São João; January for Vale de Salgueiro’s Epiphany.
Local Etiquette: When in doubt, opt for a handshake over cheek kisses. The Portuguese are forgiving, but skip street eating—it’s frowned upon.
Whether you’re marveling at skeletal art or dodging plastic hammers, Portugal proves that “bizarre” is just another word for unforgettable. Ready to embrace the weirdness? Pack your sense of humor—and maybe a garlic flower for São João.
For more travel tips and hidden gems, explore PortugalTravelNow.com.
