New Year in Lisbon
Do you want to see the burning of ritual effigies, make a dozen wishes, learn the national anthem and taste Madeira and port wine to your heart's content? If you answered «Yes» for all questions, it is best for you to go to celebrate the New Year in Lisbon. The capital of Portugal is more than any other European city suitable for those who prefer to create their own rules and traditions..
Mom washed the frame
Every self-respecting Lisbon lady on December 31 ... washes the glass. The symbol of the upcoming renewal is clean windows to the world and a grape cluster. It is grapes that become the main dish on the Portuguese table. With the beginning of the chimes, they will have to eat a berry per hit and make wishes at the same time. Each of them will certainly come true, and therefore no one neglects the wonderful custom..
Young people knit stuffed animals of old people from straw and ritually burn them in the square. This custom is rooted in the ancient past, and with its help people ask God for renewal. Along with the straw, troubles and hardships burn out, and the upcoming New Year in Lisbon brings happiness and joy to everyone.
Christmas records
On the main square of the city, a Christmas tree is decorated, which, according to tradition, becomes one of the largest in the Old World. It is decorated with thousands of festive garlands and lamps, and the rest are lit on cathedrals and facades of houses, on trams and trees. New Year's capital transforms and turns into a fabulous city.
At midnight, the sky over Lisbon is illuminated by fantastic fireworks, which are accompanied by a real artillery salute. Cannons are firing in honor of future prosperity, and the Portuguese believe in omens like little children.
