The Carnival of Podence, known locally as Entrudo Chocalheiro (the Rattling Carnival), is one of Portugal’s most ancient and captivating traditional celebrations. Held in the village of Podence in northern Portugal, this festival features devilish figures called Caretos who wear colorful fringed costumes and masks made of tin or leather with pointed noses and attach rattles around their waists. These mysterious masked characters roam the streets making noise and mischief during the three days of Carnival from the Saturday before Carnival through Shrove Tuesday. Here are nine amazing facts about this magic, UNESCO-listed festival.  

1. The tradition has ancient Celtic roots that date back over 2,000 years.

The Careto tradition is believed to have prehistoric roots in Celtic traditions probably related to the existence of the Gallaeci and Bracari peoples in Galicia and northern Portugal. The tradition reflects ancient beliefs about the cyclical nature of life, the importance of fertility for both land and community, and the symbolic battle between winter’s darkness and spring’s renewal.

2. The masks are handcrafted from tinplate or leather with distinctive features.

The Careto wear tinplate or leather masks with costumes covered with colorful wool fringes and small bells. These masks feature exaggerated characteristics including pointed or prominent noses, sharp angular features, and are typically painted in vivid colors such as red, black, or yellow.

Many masks include a cross painted on the forehead, and they create a metallic, otherworldly appearance that catches the light as the Caretos move through the village streets. Traditional mask makers in Podence continue to make these distinctive pieces by hand using techniques passed down through generations. The masks allow the Caretos to remain anonymous, which is central to the carnival’s tradition of freedom from normal social constraints.

3. The colorful costumes feature red, yellow, and green wool fringes.

The Careto costume is as distinctive as the mask itself. The costume consists of a hooded jacket and trousers covered with thick fringes of colored wool, and recently they use overalls covered with fringed rows of fabric in bright and contrasting colors such as red, yellow, and green. The costumes are traditionally homemade, and families spend a considerable amount of time creating or maintaining these elaborate garments. The wool fringes shake and sway with every movement and create a sense of wild energy that adds to the chaotic atmosphere of the celebration.

The three primary colors (red, yellow, and green) are consistent across all Careto costumes. The hooded design conceals the wearer’s identity completely and reinforces the anonymity that allows participants to engage in the playful, transgressive behavior characteristic of the festival. 

4. Cowbells and rattles create the signature “Chocalheiro” sound.

Sound is an essential element of the Podence Carnival experience. The festival earns its name Entrudo Chocalheiro from the distinctive rattling and clanging created by the Caretos. Participants wear belts equipped with cowbells and various rattles around their waists, and some wear cattle collars with bells over their shoulders. As the Caretos run, jump, and dance through the village streets, these bells and rattles produce a constant, rhythmic cacophony that can be heard throughout Podence. 

The loud sounds are meant to drive away winter and awaken nature from its cold slumber announcing the arrival of spring. The bells also served historically to ward off evil spirits and bring protection to the community. The rhythmic shaking of the bells, particularly when Caretos dance around women, forms part of the fertility ritual that is central to the celebration. For many participants and observers, the distinctive sound of the chocalhadas (bell-ringing) is one of the most memorable and evocative aspects of the entire festival.

5. Originally only for men, it is now open to women and children to participate.

Initially, the Carnival of Podence was a rite of passage for men and has now been extended to women and children. Historically, the Carnival of Podence served as an important transition ritual for young unmarried men in the village and marked their passage into adulthood and their eligibility for marriage. Young men would don the Careto costume for the first time as a significant milestone in their lives. However, social changes have transformed this exclusively male tradition into a more inclusive celebration.

Today, women and children as young as five years old participate in the festivities. They wear their own Careto costumes and join the parades and dances. The group includes children dressed as Caretos, known as facanitos, who follow and copy their elders. They learn from them and ensure the continuity of the Entrudo Chocalheiro. These child participants, called facanitos or “little devils,” represent the future of the tradition. 

6. It became UNESCO-listed in 2019.

UNESCO classified the Carnival of Podence as Intangible World Heritage due to the strong participation of the local community that has managed to preserve this tradition for centuries and its current importance in the region’s cultural events. On December 12, 2019, the Winter festivities, Carnival of Podence was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This international recognition has brought global attention and more tourists to what was previously a primarily local and regional celebration. 

The designation has also reinforced local pride in the tradition and encouraged younger generations to participate and learn the customs. The Casa do Careto, a museum dedicated to the tradition, helps educate visitors about the history and significance of the Caretos throughout the year, and UNESCO recognition ensures that this ancient tradition will be protected and celebrated for future generations.

7. The celebration centers on fertility rituals and spring renewal.

At its heart, the Carnival of Podence celebrates fertility and the cyclical renewal of nature. During the performance, the Caretos dance around women with their cowbells rhythmically moving their hips. This distinctive dance represents a blessing meant to grant fertility. Originally the Caretos were linked with the figure of the “devil on the loose” and represented the excesses, euphoria, and joy allowed at this time of year, after the cold winter months, while also celebrating the fertility of the approaching spring.

During these few days, participants can engage in playful pranks, loud behavior, and flirtatious interactions that would not be acceptable during the rest of the year. This controlled chaos serves a social function and allows the community to release tension before the solemnity of Lent while symbolically ensuring the fertility and prosperity of the coming agricultural season.

8. Fictitious weddings provide comic relief and community entertainment.

Among the most important moments of the Carnival of Podence are the fictitious weddings on the Sunday, a fun event when the people chosen have no chance to complain. These mock weddings represent one of the festival’s most beloved theatrical traditions. On the Monday night, there is a theatrical play when a group of men announce a fictional list of engaged couples. During these performances, community members are playfully “married off” to unlikely partners and often create humorous pairings that satirize local personalities or situations. The chosen couples must participate in the charade.

The wedding ceremonies often include parodies of actual wedding rituals complete with mock priests, witnesses, and wedding parties. The whole village participates either as performers or spectators, which makes it a true community event that reinforces social bonds. 

9. The grand finale is an enormous bonfire that lights up the night sky.

On Shrove Tuesday night, after days of nonstop partying, the village gathers around a giant wooden figure stuffed with fireworks and branches. When they set it alight, the flames shoot thirty feet high while everyone screams, drums bang, and bagpipes wail. It’s the symbolic burning of winter, of all the bad luck, of everything that has held you back. Watching that monster burn while surrounded by hundreds of rattling Caretos is one of those moments that stays burned into your soul forever.

If you are fortunate enough to attend the Carnival of Podence, it offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of Portugal’s most memorable and ancient festivals – where the past and present dance together to the sound of cowbells and rattles, and where a small Portuguese village keeps a celebration alive that connects us all to the timeless cycles of nature and human community. 

As Portugal prepares for its presidential election on January 18, 2026, the nation bids farewell to a decade of leadership under President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. First elected on January 24, 2016, and taking office on March 9, 2016, Marcelo became a beloved figure who guided the nation through some of its most challenging moments while embodying a unique style of approachable, hands-on leadership. No matter what opinion you may have of him as a person or his tenure in office, his presidency has left indelible mark on Portuguese democracy.

Born on December 12, 1948, in Lisbon, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa came to the presidency with an extraordinary background. A constitutional law professor, journalist, political commentator, and former leader of the Social Democratic Party, he brought decades of experience to the role. Unlike many world leaders who maintain distance from their citizens, Marcelo became known for his warmth, accessibility, and willingness to engage directly with the Portuguese people. He could often be found on many mornings going for a swim in Cascais! His presidency was defined not just by policy decisions but by a personal touch that resonated across the nation. 

The Inauguration 

When Marcelo took office on March 9, 2016, Portugal was still recovering from the scars of its 2011-2014 bailout period. During his campaign, he ran as an independent candidate and promised to repair political divisions and bring moderation and cross-party consensus to Portuguese politics. He pledged to be a unifying force, and from his first days in office, he set about fulfilling that promise.

Unlike his predecessor, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, Marcelo had never previously held the nation’s top state position. He brought a fresh perspective to the presidency. His background as a prominent television political analyst made him a familiar face to millions of Portuguese citizens, and his transition from commentator to head of state was seamless. He understood the pulse of the nation because he had spent years interpreting it for the public.

Ten Memorable Moments during Marcelo’s Presidency 

1. Declaration of the First State of Emergency in 46 Years (March 2020)

Perhaps no single moment better defined Marcelo’s presidency than his response to the COVID-19 pandemic near the end of his first five-year term. In March 2020, as the virus began spreading across Europe, Marcelo made the historic decision to ask Parliament to authorize a state of emergency. This marked the first time Portugal had declared a nationwide state of emergency in the 46 years since the Carnation Revolution established democracy in 1974.

The decision was not made lightly. Marcelo understood the weight of suspending certain constitutional freedoms, but he recognized that the public health crisis demanded extraordinary measures. He worked closely with Parliament and Prime Minister António Costa to implement restrictions on movement, require businesses to close, and mobilize the healthcare system. Throughout the pandemic, Marcelo declared multiple states of emergency, renewing them every 15 days as the situation demanded. His leadership during this crisis was characterized by transparency, empathy, and a willingness to share the burden with his fellow citizens. He personally quarantined when exposed to the virus and tested positive himself in January 2021, which demonstrated that the virus respected no position or title.

2. Heroic Beach Rescue (August 2020)

Remember how we said that Marcelo likes to swim? Well, in a moment that captured international attention and perfectly encapsulated his hands-on leadership style, the 71-year-old president dove into the Atlantic Ocean to help rescue two women whose kayak had capsized at Praia do Alvor beach in the Algarve! Marcelo was on a working holiday, visiting Portuguese regions to support the tourism sector during the pandemic, when he spotted the women struggling against a strong current.

Without hesitation, he swam out to assist them working alongside lifeguards to bring the pair to safety. The incident was captured on video and went viral worldwide. When asked about the rescue, Marcelo explained that the women had been swept from a neighboring beach and were unable to swim against the powerful westerly current. He hoped they would be more careful in the future but was simply glad he could help. The moment became symbolic of Marcelo’s presidency: a leader willing to roll up his sleeves and literally dive in when his people needed help.

3. Response to the Devastating 2017 Forest Fires

In June and October 2017, Portugal experienced the deadliest forest fires in its history. The tragedy of Pedrógão Grande in June killed at least 66 people, many of whom perished on a road while trying to evacuate. In October, another wave of fires claimed 45 more lives. Portugal accounted for approximately 90 percent of fire-related deaths in Europe that year.

Marcelo’s response to these tragedies demonstrated his capacity for empathy and his willingness to hold the government accountable. He arrived at Pedrógão Grande before midnight on June 17 visibly shaken by the devastation. He embraced officials and survivors, met with those who had lost loved ones, and stayed close to affected communities throughout the recovery process. He was relentless in his criticism of the government’s response and pushed for reforms in forest management and emergency preparedness. His presence during Portugal’s darkest hours provided comfort to a grieving nation and showed that the presidency was both a ceremonial office and a source of moral leadership.

4. Landmark Reelection Victory (January 2021)

On January 24, 2021, Marcelo achieved a historic reelection victory that reflected the nation’s confidence in his leadership. He won 60.7 percent of the vote in the first round, the third-highest margin of victory in any Portuguese presidential election since the Carnation Revolution. More remarkably, he became the first candidate in Portuguese democratic history to win in all 308 municipalities, capturing 3,083 of the country’s 3,092 parishes.

The election took place during a severe COVID-19 lockdown, and Marcelo thanked voters for adhering to pandemic protocols to exercise their democratic rights. His victory speech emphasized that combating the pandemic would remain his top priority. The election also marked the rise of right-wing populism in Portugal, with André Ventura of Chega finishing third with nearly 12 percent of the vote, but Marcelo’s overwhelming mandate demonstrated that the Portuguese people valued stability, moderation, and experience.

5. Confronting Portugal’s Colonial Past and Slavery (2023-2024)

In a series of groundbreaking statements beginning in April 2023, Marcelo became the first Portuguese leader to suggest that Portugal should formally apologize for its role in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial atrocities. During the 400-year period from the 15th to the 19th century, Portuguese vessels trafficked nearly 6 million Africans into slavery, more than any other European nation, primarily to Brazil.

Speaking at Portugal’s annual commemoration of the 1974 Carnation Revolution, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in attendance, Marcelo declared that Portugal must “take full responsibility” for its past. He went further in April 2024, stating that Portugal must “pay the costs” of slavery and colonialism, which raised questions about unreturned looted goods and unpunished crimes. He called for the nation to lead the process of reparations and to continue surveying colonial-era artifacts in Portuguese museums for potential return to former colonies.

These statements represented a historic shift in how Portugal confronts its past. For generations, Portugal’s colonial era had been taught as a source of national pride, with little acknowledgment of the suffering inflicted on colonized peoples. Marcelo’s willingness to challenge this narrative demonstrated moral courage and a commitment to truth, even when it made many Portuguese uncomfortable.

6. The Euthanasia Law Saga (2021-2023)

Few issues tested Marcelo’s constitutional role and personal convictions more than the question of euthanasia. As a practicing Catholic, he held deep personal reservations about medically assisted death, yet as president, he was bound to respect the democratic will expressed through Parliament. This tension played out over multiple years as Parliament repeatedly passed legislation to decriminalize euthanasia and Marcelo repeatedly vetoed it or sent it to the Constitutional Court.

In January 2021, Marcelo vetoed the first version of the euthanasia bill citing “excessively undefined concepts.” In November 2021, he vetoed a second version, pointing to contradictory language regarding qualifying conditions. He sent a third version to the Constitutional Court in early 2022, which declared it unconstitutional. In April 2023, he vetoed a fourth version. Finally, in May 2023, after Parliament overrode his final veto by a vote of 129 to 81, Marcelo signed the law, acknowledging that he was constitutionally obligated to do so.

His office stated that “the president has enacted the legislation as he is obliged to do so under the constitution.” This protracted process demonstrated both Marcelo’s commitment to his personal values and his ultimate respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law. Portugal became the sixth European Union country to allow euthanasia, and Marcelo’s handling of the issue showed how a president can exercise constitutional powers while ultimately deferring to the people’s representatives.

7. Managing the 2023 Political Crisis and António Costa’s Resignation

In November 2023, Portugal faced a sudden political crisis when Prime Minister António Costa resigned after his chief of staff was arrested in a corruption investigation involving lithium mining concessions and hydrogen energy projects. Costa, who had governed since 2015, denied any wrongdoing but stated that the dignity of the prime minister’s office was incompatible with any suspicion of wrongdoing.

Marcelo acted swiftly and decisively. He accepted Costa’s resignation, consulted with political party leaders, and met with the Council of State. On November 9, 2023, he addressed the nation and announced that he was dissolving Parliament and calling snap elections for March 10, 2024. The decision came two years ahead of schedule but ensured that Portugal could address the crisis democratically rather than through protracted political uncertainty.

Marcelo allowed Parliament to remain in session just long enough to pass the 2024 state budget, which ensured fiscal stability during the transition. Costa remained as caretaker prime minister until the elections, which resulted in the Social Democratic Party, led by Luís Montenegro, forming the government in April 2024. Marcelo’s handling of the crisis balanced the need for accountability with the importance of governmental continuity and demonstrated the stabilizing role a president can play in a parliamentary system.

8. Championing Accessible Leadership and Selfie Diplomacy

Throughout his presidency, Marcelo revolutionized what it meant to be a head of state in Portugal. He became famous for his willingness to take selfies with citizens, which spawned a Facebook page called “Selfies com Marcelo” (Selfies with Marcelo) that documented countless encounters. He was photographed standing in supermarket lines wearing casual clothes, teaching COVID-19 lessons to children during lockdown, and visiting every corner of Portugal during his summer tours to promote tourism.

This accessibility reflected Marcelo’s genuine belief that the presidency should be close to the people, not distant from them. He attended community events, hospital openings, school ceremonies, and local festivals. He visited affected areas immediately after natural disasters and celebrated with communities during moments of national pride. His popularity stemmed not only from his political achievements but also from the sense that he truly cared about every Portuguese citizen.

9. Navigating Cohabitation with Socialist Governments

Throughout his entire ten-year tenure, Marcelo governed in cohabitation with Socialist Party prime ministers, first António Costa from 2016 to 2024, and then briefly with Luís Montenegro of the Social Democratic Party starting in April 2024. This arrangement, where the president comes from the center-right tradition while the government is led by the left, could have created tension and gridlock. Instead, Marcelo demonstrated the art of presidential restraint and strategic intervention.

He worked constructively with Costa’s governments on pandemic response, economic recovery, and social policy while also exercising his constitutional powers when necessary. He vetoed legislation he believed was constitutionally flawed, sent controversial bills to the Constitutional Court for review, and occasionally criticized government performance on issues like forest fire prevention. However, he never allowed partisan considerations to undermine governmental stability. He understood that, in Portugal’s semi-presidential system, the president serves as a check and balance and not as a parallel power center.

This period of cohabitation was the longest and most successful in Portuguese democratic history. It showed that political leaders of different ideological traditions can work together for the national good when guided by mutual respect and commitment to democratic institutions.

10. Promoting Portugal on the Global Stage

Marcelo traveled extensively as president, visiting the Vatican, Spain, Mozambique, Morocco, Brazil, Switzerland, Cuba, the United Kingdom, Greece, the United States, and Angola, among other countries. His first international visit was to Vatican City to meet Pope Francis, and in 2019, he joined French President Emmanuel Macron for the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, which honored European military cooperation.

These visits strengthened Portugal’s diplomatic relationships and raised the country’s profile internationally. Marcelo received numerous honors from foreign governments, including grand collars and high orders from Algeria, Angola, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, and many other nations. He advocated for stronger European integration, Atlantic cooperation, and partnerships with Portuguese-speaking countries around the world.

In August 2025, he made headlines by referring to U.S. President Donald Trump as a “Russian asset” following a U.S.-Russia summit. This demonstrated his willingness to speak candidly on matters of international security even when it meant criticizing powerful allies. His foreign policy approach combined Portugal’s traditional Atlantic orientation with a commitment to European solidarity and engagement with the global Portuguese diaspora.

Legacy and Conclusion

As Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa prepares to leave office after a decade of service, Portugal finds itself at a crossroads. The country weathered a global pandemic, political crises, natural disasters, and deep debates about its past and future, all while Marcelo served as a steady, compassionate, and engaged head of state. Public opinion polls showed that, while his approval ratings declined in later years, as often happens with long-serving leaders, he remained a respected figure who fundamentally changed expectations of what a Portuguese president should be. His presidency demonstrated that leadership is about showing up, listening, and being present when people need you. 

The constitutional prohibition on a third consecutive term means that Portugal must now choose a new leader for the first time since 2016. Candidates including Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, who earned acclaim as coordinator of Portugal’s COVID-19 vaccination task force, former Socialist Party leader António José Seguro, and far-right Chega leader André Ventura represent vastly different visions for the country’s future. Whoever wins will inherit a nation shaped by Marcelo’s decade of service.

As the nation prepares to vote on January 18, 2026, Portuguese citizens can reflect on a remarkable decade and express their gratitude to a president who gave everything to his country. Thank you, Marcelo, for ten years of dedication, empathy, and unwavering service to Portugal and its people. Your legacy will endure long after you leave Belém Palace.

Portugal’s history is rich with fascinating stories, some true and others embellished over time. We can assure you: all of the myths listed below are things we have been told by local Portuguese! Let’s examine six widely circulated claims about Portugal and separate fact from fiction once and for all. 

Myth #1: Portugal invented the guitar and spread it around the world.

Fiction

While Portugal has its own unique instrument called the Portuguese guitar (guitarra portuguesa), it did not invent “the guitar” in the general sense. The Portuguese guitar is a 12-string instrument descended from the medieval citole and was developed through a fusion of the European cittern and the English guitar, which was introduced to Portugal through the British trading post in Porto during the 18th century. This specialized instrument is primarily associated with fado music and remains distinctly Portuguese.

The modern six-string guitar that became popular worldwide has different origins entirely. The guitar’s evolution involved many cultures across centuries, with the Spanish guitar maker Antonio de Torres Jurado creating what became the standard classical guitar design in the mid-1800s. The guitar’s roots trace back through Spanish vihuelas, Moorish instruments, and even ancient Greek and Roman stringed instruments.

Portugal did, however, contribute the ukulele to the world. Portuguese immigrants from Madeira brought small stringed instruments called the machete (or braguinha) and the rajão to Hawaii in the 1870s, which directly inspired the creation of the ukulele.

Myth #2: Portugal was responsible for making tea popular in the UK.

Mostly Fact

This claim is essentially true. When Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess, married King Charles II of England in 1662, she brought with her a chest of tea from Portugal. The Portuguese had been importing tea from China since the early 1550s through their trading post in Macau, which made Portugal one of the first European nations to develop a taste for the beverage.

Tea had technically reached England before Catherine’s arrival, but it remained a rare medicinal curiosity sold in apothecary shops. Samuel Pepys recorded his first taste of tea in 1660. He described it as a “China drink” he had never tried before. Catherine transformed tea from an exotic medicine into a fashionable social beverage. As queen, her daily tea-drinking habits were closely observed and imitated by ladies at court, who then spread the custom through aristocratic circles.

Catherine’s influence went beyond making tea consumption popular. She introduced the concept of tea as a social ritual instead of a medicinal tonic, and her preference for drinking it with milk established what would become a distinctly British tradition. While Catherine didn’t technically “introduce” tea to England, she absolutely made it popular and fashionable, which fundamentally changed British culture. Thus, this myth is substantially true.

Myth #3: Christopher Columbus was born in Cuba, Portugal.

Fiction

The vast majority of historians agree that Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, around 1451 to a wool merchant named Domenico Colombo. Contemporary documents from Genoa and Savona support this consensus, and Columbus’s Genoese origin was not controversial during his lifetime.

However, there is a small Portuguese town called Cuba in the Alentejo region, and since the 20th century, a handful of scholars have promoted the theory that Columbus was actually Portuguese, born in this town. Proponents of this theory, such as José Mascarenhas Barreto in 1988, suggested Columbus was really Salvador Fernandes Zarco, a Portuguese agent who deceived the Spanish. They point to the fact that Columbus named the Caribbean island “Cuba” as potential evidence of his birthplace.

The Portuguese theory also notes that Columbus’s wife, Filipa Moniz Perestrelo, was Portuguese, and that he spent considerable time in Portugal before his voyages. Some have analyzed his signatures and writings for clues to Portuguese origin.

Despite these alternative theories, the evidence overwhelmingly supports Columbus’s Italian birth. The Cuban, Portugal connection remains an interesting local legend but lacks the historical documentation to overturn centuries of accepted scholarship. The town of Cuba even has a statue honoring Columbus, but this represents local pride more than historical fact.

Myth #4: The Japanese word for “Thank You” (arigatou) comes from the Portuguese “obrigado” after the Portuguese landed in Japan in 1543.

Fiction

Despite the striking phonetic similarity between the Japanese arigatou and the Portuguese obrigado, this is a false cognate. The resemblance is purely coincidental.

Historical records definitively prove that arigatou predates Portuguese contact with Japan. The word appears in Japanese literature from the 8th century in its original form “arigatashi,” which meant “difficult to exist” or “hard to be.” Over time, it shifted in meaning to “rare, special,” and then to “welcome, thankful, nice to have” by the 15th century. The Portuguese did not arrive in Japan until 1543, well over a century after arigatou was already being used to express gratitude.

The word arigatou comes from two Japanese roots: “aru” (to exist) and “katai” (difficult), conveying the idea that the favor being acknowledged is “something precious that rarely exists.”

While the Portuguese did introduce many loanwords to Japanese during the 16th and 17th centuries (including words like tempura, pan for bread, and tabako for tobacco), arigatou is not among them. The early Japanese-Portuguese dictionary compiled by Jesuit missionaries, the Vocabvlario da Lingoa de Iapam, lists “arigatai” with its derivative form “arigatou,” confirming the word existed independently before linguistic borrowing from Portuguese occurred.

Myth #5: King Dom Sebastião, who disappeared in battle in 1578, will return to save Portugal in its darkest hour.

Legend, but culturally true as a belief system

This myth forms the foundation of Sebastianism (Sebastianismo), one of Portugal’s most enduring cultural phenomena. King Sebastian of Portugal led a disastrous crusade to Morocco in 1578, where his army of 17,000 men was crushed by a superior Moroccan force of over 60,000 at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir on August 4, 1578. Sebastian, only 24 years old, was almost certainly killed in battle, though his body was not immediately recovered, which led to uncertainty about his fate.

The young king had been called “O Desejado” (the Desired One) even before his birth, and after his death, many Portuguese refused to believe he was truly gone. When his body was eventually returned to Portugal in 1582 and interred in the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, his tomb was inscribed with a verse that translates to: “In this tomb lies buried Sebastian, if the story is true.”

The legend of Sebastian’s return became a powerful messianic belief. According to Sebastianism, the king is “O Encoberto” (the Hidden One) who will return on a foggy morning to save Portugal in its darkest hour and establish the Fifth Empire, a spiritual kingdom of peace and prosperity. This belief gained particular strength during 1580-1640 when Spanish kings occupied the Portuguese throne, as people yearned for a deliverer to restore independence.

The myth has had remarkable cultural staying power. Between 1584 and 1598, at least four impostors claimed to be the returned Sebastian. The belief spread to Brazil, where it influenced messianic movements in the 19th century. The renowned Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa built upon Sebastianist themes in his epic work “Mensagem,” and the legend inspired the 1968 song “A Lenda d’El Rei D. Sebastião” by Quarteto 1111.

Thus, while Sebastian will not literally return, Sebastianism remains a genuine and influential belief system in Portuguese culture, which represents the enduring hope for national renewal and redemption. The myth is fiction in the literal sense but very real as a cultural and psychological phenomenon.

Myth #6: Portugal had its own unique dinosaurs.

Fact

Portugal absolutely had its own unique dinosaur species, and the country is one of Europe’s most important dinosaur fossil sites. The town of Lourinhã is even known as “Dinosaur Town” because of the extraordinary number of fossils discovered there. Portugal’s Late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago, was home to a rich ecosystem of dinosaurs, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Several dinosaur species are endemic to Portugal or were first discovered there. Lourinhanosaurus antunesi, described in 1998, is a carnivorous theropod dinosaur named after the town of Lourinhã where it was found in 1982. This mid-sized predator, measuring about 4.5 meters long, is particularly significant because it was the first theropod discovered with gastroliths (stomach stones), and fossils include a nest with over 100 eggs, with some containing well-preserved embryos.

Lusotitan atalaiensis is another Portuguese endemic species. This enormous sauropod, originally classified as a species of Brachiosaurus when discovered in 1947, was recognized as its own distinct genus in 2003. The name combines “Luso” (referring to Lusitania, the ancient name for Portugal) with “Titan” from Greek mythology. This giant herbivore could reach up to 25 meters in length and represents one of the largest dinosaurs ever found in Europe.

The Lourinhã Formation has yielded numerous other significant finds, including species like Dinheirosaurus lourinhanensis, Dracopelta (an armored dinosaur), and various other theropods and sauropods. In 2022, a homeowner in Pombal accidentally discovered what may be one of Europe’s largest dinosaur skeletons in his backyard, an 82-foot-long sauropod with remarkably preserved ribs still in their original anatomical position.

Portugal’s dinosaur fossil record is so rich that paleontologists compare the Lourinhã Formation to North America’s famous Morrison Formation. The Portuguese Late Jurassic ecosystem was a semi-arid floodplain environment where multiple large predators like Allosaurus, Torvosaurus, and Ceratosaurus competed alongside the endemic Portuguese species. This makes Portugal not just a country with unique dinosaurs, but one of the world’s premier locations for understanding Late Jurassic dinosaur diversity and evolution!

Conclusion

Of these six myths, two are substantially true: Catherine of Braganza popularizing tea in Britain and Portugal having its own unique dinosaurs. Three are complete fiction (the guitar’s origin, the arigatou etymology, and Columbus’s Cuban birthplace), and one exists in an interesting space between legend and cultural reality (Sebastianism). 

Now that we have separated truth from fiction, were there any that surprised you? Let us know in the comments!

Porto’s art scene does not have a concentrated center such as Belém in Lisbon, but you will find a treasure trove of beauty spread tucked into historic buildings, sprawling gardens, and right next to the Douro River. 

We’ve curated 9 of the best art museums in Porto ranging from world class contemporary collections to institutions that highlight Porto’s unique artistic identity. Porto rewards visitors who slow down, linger, and let the art unfold at its own pace. Let’s explore.

1. Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves and Casa de Serralves

Address – Rua Dom João de Castro 210, Parque de Serralves, R. de Serralves 999

Why You Should Go

Serralves is Porto’s most important contemporary art destination and one of the most significant cultural institutions in Portugal. Set within a vast landscaped park, the complex combines a striking minimalist museum building designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira with the elegant Art Deco Casa de Serralves, which creates a multi-faceted artistic experience that spans architecture, fine art, and design.

The contemporary museum presents rotating exhibitions by major international and Portuguese artists across multiple types media. Just five minutes away, the Casa de Serralves enchants visitors with a quieter and more intimate experience focused on early twentieth century architecture, decorative arts, and historically grounded exhibitions. The surrounding gardens, forests, and formal landscapes are an essential part of the visit and make Serralves feel more like a cultural campus than a single museum.

2. Soares dos Reis National Museum

Address – R. de D Manuel II 44

Why You Should Go

This is Porto’s principal fine art museum and the best place to understand the development of Portuguese art from the eighteenth century through the early modern period. It is housed in the former Carrancas Palace, and the museum’s well-decorated rooms provide a fitting backdrop for its collection of painting, sculpture, and ceramics.

The museum’s name comes from the renowned Portuguese sculptor António Soares dos Reis, and it is particularly strong in nineteenth century Portuguese art. Its central location near the Crystal Palace Gardens makes it easy to combine with a walk overlooking the Douro River.

3. MASA – Museum of Sacred Art and Archeology

Address – Largo do Colégio

Why You Should Go

This museum explores centuries of religious art tied to the city’s ecclesiastical history right next to the Porto Cathedral. The collection includes sculpture, painting, textiles, goldsmith work, and objects that reflect Porto’s importance as a religious and commercial center.

The museum’s strength lies in its craftsmanship and historical depth rather than any particular blockbuster masterpieces. It is especially rewarding for visitors interested in sacred art, symbolism, and the role of religion in shaping Portuguese artistic traditions.

4. Porto Tram Museum

Address – Alameda Basílio Teles 51

Why You Should Go

While not a traditional art museum per se, the Porto Tram Museum earns its place for its design, engineering, and visual storytelling. Housed in a former power station, the museum displays historic trams alongside photographs, posters, and industrial design elements that chart Porto’s urban evolution.

The museum’s spacious interior and spot by the riverside make it an appealing stop, especially for anyone interested in transportation design and urban history. If you have children that are into trains, this is the perfect place. 

5. The Press Museum (Museu Nacional da Imprensa)

Address – Estrada Nacional 108

Why You Should Go

The National Printing Museum celebrates the art of typography, printing, and graphic design in a way that feels surprisingly contemporary. Exhibits include historic presses, posters, books, and rotating exhibitions that highlight illustration, editorial design, and political art.

Situated along the Douro River, the museum also hosts international graphic design competitions which reinforces Porto’s role in visual communication and print culture.

Note: The Press Museum is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen its doors on April 5, 2026

6. Museu Romântico (Romantic Museum)

Address – R. de Entre-Quintas 220

Why You Should Go

An art museum devoted to romance? Not, this is not that kind of museum, but it does recreate the interior of a nineteenth century bourgeois home and offers insight into Romantic era aesthetics, music, and domestic life. 

The museum is closely associated with King Charles Albert of Sardinia, who spent his final days in this house after being exiled following political upheaval in Italy. This historical connection reinforces the Romantic themes of exile, introspection, and personal struggle that defined the period. Throughout the house, objects provide insight into how art, music, and literature were woven into daily life among Europe’s educated classes. The surrounding gardens and river views enhance the experience.

7. The Art of Drinking – The Bridge Collection

Address – Rua do Choupelo

Why You Should Go

The art of drinking? We know. This is definitely an unconventional addition to a list of art museums, but one that feels entirely appropriate in Porto. The Art of Drinking – The Bridge Collection is part of World of Wine, the major cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia that brings together seven distinct museums focused on Portuguese history, craftsmanship, and global connections. Within this broader context, the Art of Drinking explores drinking from multiple angles including ritual, craftsmanship, social practice, and cultural expression. In a city where Port wine shaped global trade, architecture, labor, and identity, drinking is inseparable from history.

The collection focuses on glassware, vessels, tools, and objects related to wine, spirits, and communal drinking traditions all presented with an eye toward design, material culture, and storytelling. Rather than celebrating excess, the exhibition examines how humans across cultures have gathered, marked time, formed relationships, and created meaning through drinking together.

This is the landscape where Port wine was aged, traded, and shipped to the world, and where drinking became both an economic engine and a cultural signature. Visiting this collection adds texture to any understanding of Porto.

8. Casa do Infante

Address – Rua da Alfândega 10

Why You Should Go

Believed to be the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, Casa do Infante focuses on Porto’s medieval and maritime history. The museum includes archaeological remains, maps, and artifacts that connect art, exploration, and commerce.

While not an art museum in the strict sense, it offers essential context for understanding the forces that shaped Portuguese artistic production during the Age of Discoveries.

9. Galeria Municipal do Porto

Address – Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, Rua D. Manuel II

Why You Should Go

The Galeria Municipal do Porto is the city’s most dynamic space dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Located in the Crystal Palace Gardens complex, the gallery hosts rotating exhibitions by emerging and established artists working across painting, installation, video, and performance.

Its exhibitions often reflect current conversations in global contemporary art, and entry is typically free. After your visit, enjoy a stroll in one of Porto’s most beautiful green spaces at the Crystal Gardens.

Conclusion

Porto’s art museums couldn’t be more different from each other. We encourage you to start with Serralves, which we truly feel is unmissable, and then make your way to the Soares dos Reis National Museum to understand the roots of classic Portuguese art. There is so much art to experience in Porto. When you’re finished, don’t forget to try Porto’s own work of art: Port wine!