There was a time when bears roamed the mountains of Portugal. The hills were covered in oak and chestnut trees, and the rivers flowed without dams, without the sound of cars or electricity pylons. It was a time of wolves, lynxes, otters, deer, and crows crossing the skies at dawn. But time has passed. The animals fled or were killed. Men took over the land. And Portugal, like most of the rest of Europe, has become a place where the great predators are now the stuff of legend, not fact.

But all is not lost.

The Iberian Lynx, the Flagship Return

The Iberian lynx is the ghost of the Peninsula. A solitary hunter, with eyes like ice and legs wide enough to walk in the snow. It was about to disappear forever. At the beginning of the 2000s, there were less than a hundred lynx left in the world. Most of them were in Doñana, in the south of Spain. But Portugal decided not to give up.

Today, thanks to reintroduction and captive breeding programs, there are lynxes in the Alentejo. In the Mértola area, in particular, dozens have been released. They hunt wild rabbits among cistus and cork oaks. And some of them have already been born in the wild.

If you want to try and spot them, the Guadiana Valley Natural Park is the place to start. There are trails between Mértola and Mina de São Domingos where, with luck and patience, you can see fresh footprints at dawn. But you need silence. The lynx sees you long before you see it.

The Iberian Wolf, an Ancient Song

The wolf never left. But it came close. In the second half of the 20th century, poisonings, organized raids and habitat destruction almost caused it to disappear from the south of the country. Today, its population is limited to the north of Portugal, especially north of the Douro River.

The Iberian wolf is not a myth. It’s real. It lives in the mountains of Peneda, Gerês, Montesinho, Alvão and Marão. There, on cold nights, you can still hear its howls cutting through the wind.

For the more adventurous, it’s worth exploring the Peneda-Gerês National Park. There are trails between Castro Laboreiro and the Serra Amarela where you can see footprints and the remains of prey. In Vilarinho da Furna, when the dam is low, you can see the village submerged. And some say that wolves still surround it.

There is also the Iberian Wolf Recovery Center, near Mafra, where you can see specimens in semi-freedom. It’s a good place for those who want to learn, with respect.

The Iberian Bear, a Foggy Memory

Portugal’s last bear was killed in the 19th century in Trás-os-Montes. Some say it was in 1843. Others in 1850. Nobody knows for sure. Since then, the bear has become legend. But on the other side of the border, in the Cantabrian mountains, bears still exist. And they’ve been getting closer. In 2019, they spotted one in León, a few kilometers from the border.

There are no official plans to reintroduce the bear to Portugal. But it’s not impossible that it will return on its own. The climate changes. The forest comes back slowly. And if there is food and peace, maybe one day it will cross the border again.

Those who want to follow in his footsteps can explore the Montesinho and Sanábria mountains. The trails from Bragança to the Los Arribes del Duero Natural Park offer landscapes that seem to be from another century. This is where the wind still speaks of old things.

The European Beaver, a Silent Return

The beaver disappeared from Portugal more than 500 years ago. It was hunted for its meat, fur and secretions used in ancient medicine. But recently, reintroduced to Spain, it has returned on its own. There are already signs of its presence along the Minho River and in some tributaries of the Douro.

The beaver is not easy to spot. It’s nocturnal, discreet and lives in underground burrows. But the signs are there: gnawed logs, makeshift dams, tail marks in the mud. The trails along the Minho River, between Monção and Melgaço, are ideal for trying to find it. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. And wait.

The Otter and the Wildcat, the Forgotten

The otter has survived. Discreet and an expert swimmer, it lives in clean rivers and calm coastal areas. It can be seen in the Sado, Mondego, and Lima rivers. In the Algarve, there are reports of otters playing on the beaches at dawn. It is an animal that likes shade and solitude.

The wildcat is more myth than reality for most people. But it is there, especially in the northern and central interior. It looks like a house cat, but it’s more robust and wilder. It lives among brooms and rocks, avoiding human presence. In places like Serra da Estrela and Serra de São Mamede, there is still hope of finding it.

Wild Tourism: Seeing Without Touching

Portugal is slowly starting to invest in nature tourism. There are guided walks to watch birds, wolves and lynxes. There are country houses where you can spend the night listening to the mountains. But the most important thing to remember is that these animals are not in a zoo. They live. They run. They survive.

Anyone who wants to experience this ancient world can go to the Montesinho Natural Park, the Côa Valley, the Serra da Malcata, and the Guadiana Valley. Take binoculars, sturdy shoes, patience. And, above all, respect.

Final Thoughts

Portugal is a small country, but it’s full of memories. The land remembers the footsteps of the bear, the howl of the wolf, and the leap of the lynx. They left because we killed them, because we stole their space. But some are coming back.

It’s up to us now to protect what’s left. Make room for what can return. And to walk slowly through the mountains and valleys, as if apologizing. Because nature doesn’t forget. And when it forgives, it does so in silence.

Perhaps one day, as we climb a deserted hillside in the north-east of Trás-os-Montes, we’ll once again see the shadow of a bear. Or hear the crunch of leaves under the paws of a lynx. And then, in that brief instant, perhaps Portugal will once again be a wild place. As it was. As it should be.

Planning a trip to Portugal soon? While many Portuguese people speak English, especially in tourist areas, making an effort to speak the local language can make your trip to Portugal much more authentic. European Portuguese (as opposed to Brazilian Portuguese) has its own unique expressions that can instantly make you sound more like a local. Here are the top 10 European Portuguese phrases that will help you blend in during your Portuguese adventure.

1. “Que giro!”

Pronunciation – keh ZHEE-roo
Meaning – How cool! / That’s awesome!

This enthusiastic expression is used to show appreciation for something interesting or impressive. It’s much more local than saying “fixe” (see below) and is used across generations. Using this phrase when someone shows you something or tells you interesting news will make you sound like you’ve been hanging around Portuguese people for years.

2. “Não faz mal”

Pronunciation – nown faz MAL
Meaning – It’s not a problem / Don’t worry about it

This versatile expression is used constantly by Portuguese locals in countless situations: when someone bumps into you, when there’s a small mistake, or when you want to reassure someone. It’s more authentic than the more formal “não há problema” and immediately signals that you understand Portuguese social norms.

3. “Se faz favor”

Pronunciation – suh faz fah-VOR
Meaning – Please / If you please

This polite expression is used constantly in everyday Portuguese interactions when making requests. While tourists often use “por favor,” locals tend to say “se faz favor” in shops, restaurants, and when asking for directions. You’ll also notice the abbreviation “SFF” sometimes used on signs and in written communications throughout Portugal – this stands for “se faz favor” and is used on everything from payment requests to signs asking people to close doors or keep areas clean. Using this phrase instead of the more textbook “por favor” immediately signals that you understand how Portuguese people actually speak.

4. “Pois, pois”

Pronunciation – poysh poysh
Meaning – Yes, yes / Indeed / That’s right

This is quintessentially Portuguese. You’ll hear locals say “pois” or “pois, pois” in conversations all the time to show agreement. It’s the Portuguese equivalent of nodding along in conversation and shows you’re engaged.

5. “Então”

Pronunciation – en-TOW (nasal ‘en’ sound)
Meaning – So / Well / Then / So what?

This versatile word is sprinkled throughout Portuguese conversation. It can start a question, express surprise, or fill a pause. Listen for it and you’ll hear it everywhere! Using “então” at the beginning of sentences makes you sound instantly more local.

6. “É pá!”

Pronunciation – eh pah
Meaning – Hey! / Man! / Wow!

This informal exclamation is used to express surprise, emphasis, or to get someone’s attention. It’s very common among friends and in casual settings. Using this expression shows you’ve been paying attention to how locals speak.

7. “Fixe”

Pronunciation – feesh
Meaning – Cool / Nice

When someone shows you something interesting or tells you good news, responding with “fixe” is perfectly Portuguese. This slang term is especially popular among younger Portuguese people but is widely understood.

8. “Olha”

Pronunciation – OH-lyah
Meaning – Look / Listen

Portuguese people often start sentences with “olha” when they want to draw attention to what they’re about to say. It doesn’t literally mean “look” in this context, but rather “listen to this” or “pay attention.”

9. “Bica” (in Lisbon) or “Cimbalino” (in Porto)

Pronunciation – BEE-kah / sim-bah-LEE-noo
Meaning – Espresso coffee

Asking for a “bica” in Lisbon or a “cimbalino” in Porto instead of “um café” (a coffee) immediately identifies you as someone who knows local terminology. Coffee culture is huge in Portugal, and knowing these regional terms is impressive.

10. “Posso fazer festinhas ao seu cão?”

Pronunciation – POH-soo fah-ZEHR fesh-TEEN-yash ow say-oo CAOW
Meaning – Can I pet your dog?

Portugal is a dog-loving country, and you’ll see many locals walking their dogs in parks and along the promenades. This phrase will not only help you connect with the many dog owners but also shows you’ve gone beyond tourist phrases. Portuguese people will appreciate your interest in their pets and your effort to ask properly in their language. This phrase basically translates to “Can I give little parties to your dog?” How adorable!  

Bonus Phrases:

“Desenrasca”

Pronunciation: deh-zen-RAHSH-kah
Meaning: To improvise a solution / to “make do”

This word represents a core concept in Portuguese culture – the ability to find creative solutions with limited resources. Saying “vamos desenrascar” (let’s figure it out) or commenting “boa desenrasca!” (good improvisation!) shows you understand the Portuguese resourceful spirit that locals take pride in.

“Combinado”

Pronunciation: com-bee-NAH-doo
Meaning: It’s arranged / It’s agreed / Deal!

The word combinado translates to “combined” but is really a confirmation that something has been arranged. It’s the term used after making plans. For example, after someone states a plan of action, simply saying “combinado!” can mean “ok!”. You’ll hear this constantly among Portuguese friends finalizing lunch plans, business colleagues confirming meetings, or shop owners acknowledging special requests. It’s a more authentic alternative to saying “ok” and signals that you’re familiar with how locals actually confirm arrangements.

Learning these phrases won’t make you fluent in Portuguese, but they’ll show locals that you respect their culture and language enough to make an effort. Portuguese people are generally delighted when visitors try to speak their language, which is less commonly learned by tourists than Spanish or French.

Remember that European Portuguese pronunciation is quite different from Brazilian Portuguese – it’s more closed-mouth with many sounds swallowed or shortened. Listening to European Portuguese podcasts or music can help you get a feel for the rhythm and sounds.

Então, on your next trip to Portugal, throw in some of these phrases and watch the locals smile. Boa viagem! (Good trip!)

In late spring, Lisbon transforms into a purple paradise as jacaranda trees burst into bloom across the city. These magnificent trees, with their vibrant purple-blue flowers, have become synonymous with Lisbon and are celebrated as one of its most beloved natural attractions. Though not native to Portugal, jacarandas have been thoroughly embraced by Lisboetas and visitors, which creates a gorgeous “purple rain” as the petals start to fall. Let’s explore the fascinating history of how this luminous lavender color came to grace Lisbon’s streets, when to best experience their blooming season, and the most spectacular locations to witness their purple canopies throughout the city.

Origins and Introduction to Lisbon

The Jacaranda’s Native Roots

The jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is native to South America with a great concentration in the northwestern regions of Argentina and Bolivia. These deciduous trees belong to the Bignoniaceae family and are known for their fern-like foliage and trumpet-shaped purple flowers. In their native habitat, jacarandas can grow up to 15 meters tall, with an expansive canopy that creates a stunning display when in full bloom.

Portugal’s Colonial Connections

Like many non-native species that now flourish in European countries, the jacaranda’s journey to Lisbon is closely tied to Portugal’s colonial history. During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers and botanists encountered countless new plant species throughout their colonies and trading posts in Africa, Asia, and South America. This period of botanical exchange, sometimes referred to as the “Columbian Exchange,” saw numerous exotic plants make their way back to the Iberian Peninsula.

The Brazilian Connection

Most historical accounts attribute the introduction of jacaranda trees to Lisbon to Portugal’s deep colonial ties with Brazil. Although the jacaranda is not native to Brazil itself, it had been successfully cultivated there after being introduced from neighboring Argentina. In the 19th century, following Portugal’s extensive colonial presence in Brazil (1500-1822), these trees were brought to Lisbon as botanical specimens, and they were likely first planted in the city’s botanical gardens.

The Liberal Period’s Urban Transformation

The widespread planting of jacarandas in Lisbon’s public spaces began in earnest during the Liberal Period (1820-1910). This era saw significant urban planning initiatives aimed at modernizing Portugal’s capital. The influential figure António Ribeiro, who served as the chief gardener of Lisbon in the late 19th century, is credited with incorporating jacarandas into the city’s landscape design on a large scale.

The major urban renewal projects of the 1870s and 1880s, in particular the development of the Avenida da Liberdade, included extensive tree planting schemes. Jacarandas were selected not only for their beauty but also for their adaptability to Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate, which closely resembles that of their native habitat with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The Salazar Era and Urban Expansion

The planting of jacarandas continued and expanded during the Estado Novo period (1933-1974) under António de Oliveira Salazar’s regime. Despite the political repression of this era, beautifying the cities remained a priority, especially in preparation for the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition (Exposição do Mundo Português), which celebrated the 800th anniversary of Portugal’s founding and the 300th anniversary of its restoration of independence from Spain.

This period saw further urban development with jacarandas being planted along newly constructed avenues and in parks throughout the city. The trees became an integral element of Lisbon’s evolving urban aesthetic, contributing to its distinctive character that blended traditional Portuguese architecture with natural beauty.

Post-Revolution Preservation and Expansion

Following the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended the Estado Novo regime, Lisbon underwent another period of urban renewal. Environmental awareness and the preservation of urban green spaces gained greater importance in city planning. Existing jacaranda trees were protected, and new plantings continued to extend their presence across the city.

In recent decades, environmental challenges such as climate change have raised concerns about the future of Lisbon’s jacarandas. However, the city’s commitment to maintaining its arboreal heritage has remained strong despite recent setbacks due to plans for new developments. Efforts to protect mature specimens and plant new trees ensure that the tradition of jacarandas in Lisbon continues for future generations to enjoy.

Jacaranda Blooming Season in Lisbon

Timing the Purple Wave

The jacaranda’s blooming season in Lisbon typically begins in mid-May and extends through June, with the peak usually occurring in late May to early June. This timing coincides with the end of spring and the beginning of summer, when temperatures in Lisbon become consistently warm.

The exact timing can vary slightly from year to year depending on weather conditions. Particularly warm springs may trigger earlier blooming, while cooler temperatures might delay the display. Climate change has also been observed to affect blooming patterns, with some years seeing flowers appear as early as late April.

Duration of the Blooms

When jacarandas bloom in Lisbon, the gorgeous spectacle is as brief as it is breathtaking. The flowering period typically lasts about four to six weeks, with individual trees often showing their best color for just two to three weeks. This ephemeral nature of the bloom adds to its special appeal and creates a sense of urgency to witness the purple transformation before it fades.

As the blooming period concludes in late June, the delicate purple rain begins as the petals fall to the ground, which creates purple “carpets” beneath the trees. This second phase of the blossoming season is equally magical, as it transforms Lisbon’s streets and squares into purple-dappled wonderlands.

Cultural Significance of Blooming Season

For university students in Lisbon, particularly those at the University of Lisbon, the blooming of the jacarandas has traditionally signaled the approach of final exams. There’s a popular saying that if you haven’t started studying by the time the jacarandas bloom, you’re already too late. This association has embedded the jacaranda season into the cultural rhythm of the academic year.

For the broader Lisbon populace, the jacaranda blooming marks the beginning of the festival season. June is known for the Popular Saints’ festivals (Santos Populares), with Santo António being celebrated on June 12-13. The purple jacaranda canopies provide a fitting backdrop to these cultural celebrations and creates a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Best Locations to See Jacarandas in Lisbon

Avenida da Liberdade

Perhaps the most famous jacaranda display in Lisbon can be found along the elegant Avenida da Liberdade. This broad, tree-lined boulevard stretches from Restauradores Square to Marquês de Pombal Square and features rows of jacarandas on both sides. When in bloom, they create a purple tunnel effect that transforms this busy thoroughfare into a magical promenade. The contrast between the purple blossoms and the traditional Portuguese mosaic sidewalks (calçada portuguesa) makes for stunning photographs and memorable walks.

Príncipe Real Garden

The picturesque Príncipe Real Garden (Jardim do Príncipe Real) is home to several magnificent jacaranda specimens. This charming garden, centered around a large cedar tree, provides a breathtaking setting to appreciate the jacarandas against the backdrop of colorful 19th-century mansions. The garden’s elevated position also provides beautiful views over the city, with purple accents visible across Lisbon’s skyline during the blooming season.

Largo do Carmo

The historic Largo do Carmo square, adjacent to the ruins of the Carmo Convent, features several mature jacaranda trees that create a purple canopy over this historically significant space. The contrast between the ancient stonework of the Gothic ruins and the radiant purple flowers makes this spot particularly photogenic. The square’s central location in the Chiado district makes it an easily accessible spot to appreciate the jacarandas while exploring the city center.

Campo de Santana

This lesser-known garden near Martim Moniz is a hidden gem for jacaranda enthusiasts. Campo de Santana (also known as Jardim Braancamp Freire) features numerous jacaranda trees in a romantic, English-style garden complete with winding paths and a small lake. The garden’s peaceful atmosphere offers a respite from the busy city and a perfect setting to appreciate the jacarandas without crowds.

Estrela Garden

The Jardim da Estrela, opposite the magnificent Basílica da Estrela, is another excellent location to see jacarandas in bloom. This 19th-century garden features several impressive specimens with their purple flowers creating beautiful reflections in the garden’s ponds. The mix of jacarandas with other exotic trees and plants makes this garden a botanical delight year-round, but particularly special during jacaranda season.

Praça do Império

Located in Belém, the Praça do Império features symmetrical gardens adorned with jacaranda trees. The setting is particularly grand, with the Jerónimos Monastery providing a historical backdrop to the purple display. The nearby Jardim Vasco da Gama also features several jacarandas, making the Belém area a worthwhile destination during blooming season.

Eduardo VII Park

This central park, ascending from Marquês de Pombal Square, incorporates jacarandas among its various types of vegetation. The park’s sloped design gives vistors elevated viewpoints where visitors can appreciate not only the park’s own jacarandas but also those dotting the city beyond. The geometric layout of the park provides interesting visual contrasts with the organic form of the blooming jacarandas.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Gardens

The lush gardens surrounding the Gulbenkian Museum feature thoughtfully placed jacaranda trees among their diverse botanical collection. The modernist landscape design creates interesting juxtapositions between the architectural elements of the foundation buildings and the natural beauty of the jacarandas. These gardens offer a more contemporary setting to enjoy the trees compared to Lisbon’s historic squares and avenues.

Conservation and Future of Lisbon’s Jacarandas

Current Challenges

Despite their beauty and cultural significance, Lisbon’s jacarandas face several challenges. Urban development pressure, aging tree populations, and climate change all pose threats to the city’s purple heritage. Some of the oldest specimens have reached the end of their natural lifespan, which typically ranges from 50 to 100 years.

Climate change presents particular concerns, as changes in temperature and rainfall patterns may affect blooming cycles and tree health. Increasingly frequent heatwaves and drought conditions in Portugal can stress these trees, though jacarandas are relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Conservation Efforts

The Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) has implemented various programs to protect and expand the city’s jacaranda population. These include regular monitoring of tree health, treatment for diseases and pests, and careful pruning to maintain tree structure without compromising flowering potential.

A systematic replacement program ensures that as older trees decline, new jacarandas are planted to take their place. The city has also expanded jacaranda plantings to newer neighborhoods, extending this botanical tradition beyond the historic center.

Sustainable Tourism

The growing popularity of Lisbon’s jacarandas as a tourist attraction has led to initiatives promoting sustainable enjoyment of this natural spectacle. Guided “jacaranda walks” educate visitors about the trees’ history and ecological value while directing foot traffic in ways that minimize the compaction of the soil around tree roots.

Local businesses have embraced the jacaranda season, with cafés and restaurants offering purple-themed menus and specialty items during blooming time. This commercialization, when done respectfully, can help raise awareness about the importance of preserving these precious trees.

Conclusion

Jacaranda trees have woven themselves into the very fabric of Lisbon’s identity. Their annual blooming creates a fleeting but unforgettable display that marks the transition from spring to summer.

As climate change and urban development present new challenges, the continued presence of jacarandas in Lisbon will depend on thoughtful conservation efforts and public appreciation. For now, these magnificent trees continue to enchant residents and tourists, painting the city in shades of purple every late spring and reminding us of the beauty of the natural world.  

The relationship between Portugal and Angola is one of the most intense and complex in all of Portuguese colonial history. Their link has been an open wound for centuries, a cycle of domination, resistance, war, separation, and, finally, reunion. Angola was the colony that took Portugal the longest to leave. And perhaps for this very reason, it is today the African country with which Portugal has the deepest, most visible, and most contradictory ties.

The First Contact

The story begins in the 15th century, when Portuguese navigators reached the Angolan coast. In 1482, Diogo Cão reached the mouth of the Congo River. From here, the Portuguese began relations with the Kingdom of the Congo, a structured civilization with political power, an army, religion and an economy. The first contact was diplomacy and trade. But it didn’t take long for interest to turn into conquest.

The evangelization of the Congolese people, led by Catholic missionaries, went hand in hand with the imposition of the European model. African kings converted to Christianity, took on Portuguese names, and adopted European costumes and rituals. But behind the cross came the sword. And behind the incense, the smoke of the slave trade.

For more than three hundred years, Angola was one of the main export centers for African slaves to Brazil and other colonies. Millions of men, women and children were captured, sold and shipped off to a fate of suffering. Luanda and Benguela became central hubs for this brutal trade. Portugal, as a nation, enriched itself with this system, and the wound still bleeds today in the collective memory of both countries.

Modern Colonialism

With the end of slavery in the 19th century, Portugal redefined its presence in Angola. The so-called “modern colonialism” began. Instead of the slave trade, the land and population were controlled through direct administration. Portuguese planters settled in Angola, occupying vast regions with plantations of coffee, cotton and other export products. Forced labor continues, now disguised in the form of contracts and obligations imposed by the colonial administration.

During the first half of the 20th century, resistance movements to the Portuguese presence were stifled with violence. Repression, censorship, and the marginalization of the local population intensified the feeling of revolt. And while Portugal sank into a dictatorship led by Salazar, Angola simmered under the surface.

The Colonial War and the Road to Independence

In 1961, war broke out. First in Angola, then in Guinea and Mozambique. In Angola, several armed movements emerged: the MPLA, UNITA, and the FNLA. Portugal, with an ill-prepared army and a fragile economy, entered a prolonged conflict that lasted more than 13 years. It was a cruel war, fought in jungles, villages, and in the hearts of a divided people.

The colonial war was not just a battle between Portugal and the liberation movements. It was also a civil war in disguise, with different factions fighting for future power. Above all, it was an unjust war, in which thousands of Portuguese soldiers, many of them boys from villages in the interior, died without knowing why.

The Carnation Revolution, on April 25, 1974, marked the end of the dictatorship in Portugal and paved the way for the independence of the colonies. In 1975, Angola became a free country. But freedom came with pain.

Civil War and Post-Colonial Relations

Independence did not bring peace. The country was plunged into a violent civil war between the MPLA (supported by the USSR and Cuba) and UNITA (supported by the USA and South Africa). For more than twenty years, Angola was a battleground for foreign interests, with destroyed cities, millions of dead, and an exhausted people.

Portugal, fresh from its own revolution, maintained an ambiguous position. On the one hand, it was trying to distance itself from its colonial past; on the other, it had deep economic and emotional interests in Angola. Many Portuguese remained in Angola after independence. Many Angolans migrated to Portugal, creating a link between the two territories that has never been broken.

The Portuguese-Angolan Community and Current Challenges

With the end of the civil war in 2002, Angola entered a period of reconstruction. Portugal once again became a privileged partner. Portuguese companies took part in rebuilding infrastructure, exploiting natural resources and training staff. Portuguese (or Luso-African) culture made a strong comeback: music including literature, gastronomy, and television. Lisbon and Luanda have become sister cities, with daily flights, mixed families, and cross-business.

But the relationship is also marked by tensions including cases of corruption, political disputes, and economic inequalities. Many Angolans feel that Portugal continues to act like a paternalistic former metropolis. Many Portuguese see Angola as a place of lost opportunities and hope for more recognition of the Portuguese contribution. The relationship remains alive and vibrant, but also fragile.

Places in Lisbon where the Angolan Presence Can Be Felt

Martim Moniz and Mouraria

Neighborhoods where African communities, especially Angolans, live, work, and celebrate. Here, Creole mixes with Portuguese, the smells of muamba and funge meet the sound of kuduro. It’s an African Lisbon, alive and real.

Aljube Museum

Dedicated to the resistance to the Portuguese dictatorship and the struggle for freedom in the former colonies. It has sections dedicated to the colonial war, censorship, political prisoners, and African liberation movements.

Afro-Portuguese Cultural Spaces

Venues such as Espaço Espelho d’Água, Casa Mocambo or B.leza promote Angolan culture in Lisbon through concerts, exhibitions and gastronomy. They are meeting points where the present and future of Lusophony are celebrated. There are also a number of Angolan  restaurants in Lisbon as well that serve delicious Angolan dishes. 

Final Thoughts

Portugal and Angola share a long and painful history. What began with conquest and slavery became a relationship of war and resistance, and later a complex bond full of affection and resentment. Today, you can see this history reflected in the streets of Lisbon, in the songs that play on the radio, and in children’s first names.

The wound is still there, but it’s now a scar. Visible, permanent, but it can be touched without pain. And perhaps this is precisely why the relationship between Portugal and Angola is one of the most human, most real, and most future-oriented in the whole of Portuguese colonial history.