The anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ is preceded by advent – a period of 24 days from 1st December during which several minor festivals take place. These culminate on Christmas Eve with gatherings of family and friends for a consoada. This is a supper which traditionally extends to the following day with the table being left uncleared so that the Christ-child may perhaps honour the family and its ascendants with a visit. During the night presents are exchanged and the religious attend the Missa do Galo which represents a reunion of faith and portent.

The meal itself usually consists of cod or lamb preceded by a cabbage soup but extends to include sea food such as prawns, crabs and lobster. In the north fritters of octopus are popular while in the Algarve and Alentejo turkey is presented.

Events during the twelve days of Christmas and the carols, secular songs and dances were described quite fully in my essay “Christmas and New Year Carols of Portugal” which was published in TPN on 19 December 2023.

Three of the best-known pieces of music which can be heard in church and chapel, in country and in town are:

Adeste Fideles known internationally as “O Come All Ye Faithful” is claimed to have originated as either an Iberian folk song or monastic chant which was elaborated into a liturgical anthem by D. Joâo IV (The Musician King) or his choirmaster and is often referred to as The Portuguese Hymn.

O Menino Mija ? translated as “the boy is peeing” is an irreverent but beloved tale of the newborn Christ and is sung at community gatherings with humour and familiarity.

Noite Feliz is the Portuguese version of “Silent Night” and is lovingly sung throughout December. It is particularly popular with children taking part in pageants or community concerts.

Each region has its own variation of ceremony with historic ties to medieval times. In the north a Galician dialect is often used for the telling of stories and music features the bagpipes, tambourine, triangle and cavaquinho played by troubadors going from house to house. Further south the great monastic traditions become evident with choral pieces being popular both in church and community centres where all can participate with warmth and great social feeling.

The Cante Alentejo has been listed by UNESCO as being part of Portugal´s intangible cultural heritage. It probably has its roots in resonant plain-song or even Mozarabic liturgy.

Last year, on 04 December, TPN published “Classical Music choices for Christmas” and I am glad to say that my selection is still available for down-load should you wish to add any of the repertoire to your personal selection for holiday listening.

I can also recommend three CDs which were released in October/November 2025 and have just arrived in my post-box. Each is also available for down-load or can be heard on the new Presto streaming service:

Cuban Christmas. Popular music with the contagious latin beat of salsa, mamba and even bolero. Played by the Sarahbanda group and featuring horn-player Sarah Willis of the Berlin Philharmoic. Deutsche Grammophon (cat. 4867594)

Feminine Voices. A joyous collection of Christmas music featuring favourite pieces of mainly female composers but includes Benjamin Britten´s “Ceremony of Carols” which was originally written for the women of the Fleet Street choir. Cat. ALPHA 1182

On Christmas Night. The London Choral Sinfonia has produced a festive selection of many old favourites but with new orchestral arrangements. ORC100402

I trust that some of my recommendations will enable you to capture the true spirit of Christmas 2025.

by Roberto Cavaleiro - Tomar 11 December 2025