Corpus Christi in Portugal
Corpus Christi is a holiday in Portugal.
When is Corpus Christi in Portugal
Corpus Christi is celebrated on 08, June, 2023 in Portugal.
About Corpus Christi in Portugal
Corpus Christi is a religious holiday celebrated in Portugal on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which usually falls in late May or early June. The holiday is also known as the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ and is celebrated by Catholics around the world.
In Portugal, Corpus Christi is a public holiday, and many towns and cities hold processions and other religious ceremonies to mark the occasion. The most famous of these is the procession in the town of Tomar, where the streets are decorated with flowers and carpets made from colored sawdust.
During the procession, a statue of Christ is carried through the streets, accompanied by a band and a choir singing hymns. The procession ends at the local church, where a Mass is held.
In addition to the religious celebrations, Corpus Christi is also a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy traditional Portuguese food and drink. Many people also take advantage of the long weekend to go on vacation or visit relatives.
Overall, Corpus Christi is an important holiday in Portugal, both for its religious significance and its role in bringing people together.
History of Corpus Christi in Portugal
Corpus Christi is a Christian holiday celebrated in Portugal, as well as in many other countries around the world. The holiday commemorates the belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, or the consecrated bread and wine that are consumed during the Catholic Mass.
The origins of Corpus Christi can be traced back to the 13th century, when a Belgian nun named Juliana of Liège had a vision in which she saw the moon with a dark spot on it, which she interpreted as a symbol of the absence of a feast day dedicated to the Eucharist. She shared her vision with her confessor, who in turn shared it with the bishop of Liège. The bishop eventually declared a feast day for Corpus Christi in his diocese, and the holiday soon spread throughout the Catholic Church.
In Portugal, Corpus Christi has been celebrated since the 13th century, when King Afonso III declared it a public holiday. The holiday is marked by processions of the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of towns and cities, often accompanied by music, flowers, and other decorations. In some places, the streets are covered with carpets of flowers or sawdust, which are painstakingly arranged by local residents.
Today, Corpus Christi remains an important holiday in Portugal, and is celebrated with great reverence and joy by Catholics throughout the country.
How is Corpus Christi celebrated in Portugal
Corpus Christi is celebrated in Portugal with great enthusiasm and devotion. It is a public holiday in Portugal and is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
The celebration starts with a Mass, followed by a procession in which the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets of the town or city. The procession is led by the priest, who carries the monstrance containing the consecrated host.
The streets are decorated with flowers and carpets made of sawdust or flowers, which are laid out in intricate patterns. The carpets are a tradition in Portugal and are known as “tapetes de flores” (flower carpets). The carpets are made by volunteers who work throughout the night to create beautiful designs.
During the procession, the people follow the Blessed Sacrament, singing hymns and praying. The procession ends at the church, where the Blessed Sacrament is placed back in the tabernacle.
After the procession, people gather with their families and friends to enjoy a festive meal. Traditional dishes such as cozido, a stew made with meat and vegetables, and arroz doce, a sweet rice pudding, are served.
Overall, Corpus Christi is a day of great religious significance and cultural celebration in Portugal.
Dates
Corpus Christi will be celebrated in Portugal on 2023-06-08, 2024-05-30, 2025-06-19, 2026-06-04, 2027-05-27 in the comming years.