Portuguese Culture

Portugal is a very popular destination, located on the West Coast of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Spain. Portuguese culture is closely related to Spanish culture and has been influenced by the three primary cultures from which it derives: the Latin, the Visigoth, and the Muslim. The whole length of the western side of the country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, the Mediterranean and oceanic climate, the beaches as well as the inland mountainous terrains mean that Portugal is has much to offer those seeking lots of sun, sand and ski. Whether a potential resident or tourist, it is polite to learn what the basic Portuguese ideals concerning social customs and etiquette are. The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, although there are some regional languages. As a sign of respect and courtesy, you should try and learn some Portuguese phrases before visiting the country. Be very aware that although there are some similarities, Portuguese and Spanish are two very distinct languages. Never make the mistake of speaking Spanish to a Portuguese person, as this would be considered as very rude and ignorant.

 

Portuguese Society and Culture

The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability. The extended family is quite close. The individual derives a social network and assistance from the family. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business. Often, two or more generations of a family live together in the same house. Men and women who moved to cities from villages tend to keep in close touch with their relatives back home. Elders and seniors are highly respected. Not very often will an elders children or grandchildren put them in a nursing home. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance. Women are socially and legally equal to men, however there is still discrimination and many men tend to view women as the housewife and homemaker. Women hold a variety of positions of power in several industries, although salaries tend to be lower and they may have to work harder to achieve success. You should also be aware that there is a degree of ‘saving face’ in Portugal –this extends beyond the individual as family honour and loyalty is of the utmost importance, and should always be respected.

 

Appearances and Communication

In Portuguese society appearance is very important, especially in the cities. People are fashion conscious and believe that clothes indicate social standing and success. Dressing well and caring about your appearance is inherent to the Portuguese. They take great pride in wearing good fabrics and clothes of the best standard they can afford. Portuguese are traditional and conservative. They are a people who retain a sense of formality when dealing with each other, which is displayed in the form of extreme politeness. They admire these qualities in others, so introductions and conversations with unfamiliar acquaintances should be performed in a relatively formal fashion. The Portuguese tend to be direct in their communication style. They will often tell you the truth but usually in a polite manner. Many people tend to speak quite fast and somewhat loudly. This show of emotion is quite common and does not usually signify anger or displeasure. It is common to see people hug in public; couples kiss in public, women interlock arms with men while walking in the street, etc. Public displays of affection are considered normal within certain limits.

 

Hierarchy

Portugal is a culture that respects hierarchy. Society and business are highly stratified and vertically structured. Both the Catholic Church and the family structure emphasize hierarchical relationships. People respect authority and look to those above them for guidance and decision-making. Rank is important, and those senior to you in rank must always be treated with respect. This need to know who is in charge leads to an authoritarian approach to decision- making and problem solving. In business, power and authority generally reside with one person who makes decisions with little concern about consensus building with their subordinates.

 

Meeting, Greeting and Gesticulating

Introductions and greetings are usually very polite and formal with less familiar acquaintances. You should always make a point of using honorific or formal titles such as Senhor or Senhora, unless you have been invited refer to people on a first-name basis. Handshaking is the most widespread way to greet a person in Portugal, and is instigated for men, women and children alike. If you become well acquainted, your Portuguese counterpart may initiate more warm and personable greetings. Hugging between men and a kiss on each cheek, right to left, and sometimes twice, is common between females. Be aware that if you need to beckon someone, pointing or using your index finger is regarded as vulgar. The palm of your hand should face downwards, and you should make short sweeping motions towards yourself. Also any outlandish and explicitly emotive behaviour would be thought of as crude, unless amongst good friends. Snapping your fingers or shouting at waiting staff or bar staff will usually have just one result - you will be considered rude and be ignored for a while.

 

Here are some general cultural norms:

1. Entertainment starts late here. Concerts, plays, etc will routinely be scheduled for 9:30 p.m, and may not start on time.  No one minds, and it's important not to act impatient as a visitor, as it may appear to be critical. This comes as a shock to some cultures for example North Americans, but this is a country where people don't go to bed until much later. Many restaurants don't even open until after seven in the evening.

2. There is one essential commandment regarding Portuguese dining etiquette: whatever you eat you must pay for, whether or not you ordered it. Waiters bring bread, olives and other goodies to your table the moment you sit down. This unordered appetiser is called couvert and can cost anywhere from €1 per person to over €12. If you don’t want it, you can send it away, no offence taken. There’s also no shame in asking the price.

3. Fish-eaters will get by, but serious vegetarians might have problems in Portugal. Even vegetable dishes usually include meat. Markets offer fruit, vegetables, grains and nuts. Vegetables are rarely served in restaurants, but end up in soups (however, these may be cooked with bones).

4. If you are invited to a Portuguese home for a meal, take flowers, good quality chocolates or candy for the hostess. Do not bring wine unless you know which wines your hosts prefer. Do not give 13 flowers. The number is considered unlucky. Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums since they are used at funerals.  Do not give red flowers since red is the symbol of the revolution. Gifts are usually opened when received.

5 Service is usually not added to the bill. It’s customary to leave a few coins or 5% (or even 10%) in smarter places and/or if the service was exceptional. Always ask if they accept credit cards if you’re planning to use one.