Portuguese customs

Situated in the extreme south-west of Europe, Portugal borders Spain along its eastern and northern sides, and looks across the Atlantic to the west and south. With a rich cultural heritage, and a landscape that includes lush mountains, sun-drenched plains and miles and miles of stunning beaches, Portugal offers a warm welcome to visitors from around the world.

Portugal covers 92,212 km² and is the westernmost country in continental Europe. The country is divided into several provinces, each with its own unique landscape and character. In the north, the Miño is green, being a relatively developed population, while the neighbor of After-os-Montes is much wilder and less frequently visited by tourists. 

Local culture and Portuguese language

The Portuguese are normally mild, kind and modest. Visitors who make the effort to learn even a few simple words or phrases such as Hello (boom day), Thank you (thank you) and good bye (Goodbye) will be appreciated.

Family is fundamental in the Portuguese way of life, and takes precedence over all other relationships, including business. Employing family members within a business is seen as the normal thing to do in Portugal, as it makes sense for them to surround themselves with the people you know.

The Portuguese also have to do with appearances and respect. Being well dressed, on any occasion, is seen as a sign of respect, especially among the older generation. Depending on your relationship with the deceased person, the mourning can last several years, and some widows in rural areas mourn for the rest of their lives.

Portugal is a nation with many coastal points, hence its tradition of eating sardines, mackerel and the famous cod (dried, salted cod) reliably on the menus of all types of restaurant: pork dishes are also common, such as spicy pork and chorizo ​​sausages and stewed beans. The Portuguese adore their sweets and cakes, and a visit to a pastry shop will reveal all kinds of delicacies.

Portugal has many celebrations to mark various holy days, as well as a number of important annual holidays, including Portugal Day (1 of June), Assumption of the Virgin (August 15) and Republic Day (October 5th). Additionally, towns and cities across the country generally have a summer festival, often including bullfights or bullfights through the city.

How Social Gatherings Work

As Portugal is a nation rather conservative and reserved, exuberant behavior from tourists can be seen as rude. The greetings should be formal and respectful, and official titles, such as Mr. and Mrs they should always be used, unless you have been specifically invited to use the names. It is customary to shake hands people who do not know well, and with close friends, it is common for men hug and for women kiss each cheek, from right to left.

Being late to a meeting is considered rude, so always try to be on timeEither for a business appointment or if you are invited to a restaurant or dinner at the home of a friend or acquaintance. If you are invited to a meal at someone's home, it is customary to bring a small but thoughtful gift, such as chocolates or flowers.

In many countries, a clean plate at the end of the meal is a sign that you have enjoyed the meal, but in Portugal, it is considered polite leave some food on the plate once you are done.

As a general rule, the Portuguese do not go socializing after work during the week, and entertain themselves only on the weekend.

Business meetings and management advice

While Portuguese can be late to meetings, it would be considered rude. If you are kept waiting for a business meeting, it is important not to be upset.

Any business meeting is likely to have a good degree of conversation that is not related to the meeting. This is a way for your Portuguese colleagues to get to know you, and you should not try to rush the meeting or get frustrated because your carefully planned program is being ignored. If you expect business decisions that were made during a meeting to be followed, you will most likely be disappointed, as decisions are usually made outside of formal meetings.