St. Joseph’s Day in Portugal ― Date, History, and Details
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History of St. Joseph’s Day in Portugal and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
St. Joseph’s Day is a religious holiday celebrated in Portugal on March 19. It is the feast day of Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ. On this day, Portuguese people honor Saint Joseph by attending Mass, eating special foods, and giving gifts to children.
The most common food eaten on St. Joseph’s Day is fava beans. These beans are said to bring good luck, so they are often given as gifts to children. Other traditional foods include codfish cakes, sweetbreads, and roasted meats.
In Portugal, it is also common to give gifts to children on St. Joseph’s Day. These gifts are usually simple toys or candy. However, some families may give more expensive gifts, such as bicycles or clothes.
St. Joseph’s Day is a special day for Portuguese people. It is a time to remember Saint Joseph and to enjoy good food and company.