Why do Portuguese eat fish on Christmas Eve?

The tradition of eating bacalhau on Christmas Eve has to do with the fact that, following Catholicism, the day before Christmas was a time when religious followers were supposed to abstain from eating meat.

What do Portuguese eat on Christmas Eve?

Like in Spain, the traditional Christmas meal in Portugal, called ‘Consoada’, is eaten during the evening of Christmas Eve and consists of salted cod served with green vegetables, boiled potatoes and boiled eggs. This is normally followed by shellfish, wild meats or other expensive foods.

Why is cod so popular in Portugal?

Cod was consumed more routinely inland, as sardines were eaten on the coast. The large-scale consumption of cod began in the 19th century – it was easy to preserve and transport to the interior of Portugal, unlike fresh fish. Thus, it started to get into Portugal’s diet.

Why do Catholic eat fish on Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is a vigil or fasting day, and the abundance of seafood reflects the observance of abstinence from meat until the feast of Christmas Day itself. The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day.

What are the seven fishes for Christmas Eve?

Typical “fishes” include baccalà (salt cod), frutti di mare (shellfish), capitone (eel), calamari (squid), scungilli (conch meat) and vongole (clams). Fried vegetables are also a popular accompaniment to the fish; expect fried artichokes, pickled vegetables, fried squash blossoms, and other treats.

Why you shouldn’t eat meat on Christmas Eve?

The eating of fish on Christmas Eve is a Catholic tradition. Catholics were expected to abstain from eating meat or products derived from animals such as butter or dairy on Fridays and holy days.

How does Portugal say Merry Christmas?

Feliz Natal
Merry Christmas translates to Portuguese as “Feliz Natal” and although this is the most common way to express your Christmas greetings, you can also say “boas festas”. This literally means “happy holidays” and is more general, referring to Christmas and the New Year together.

What do Portugal people eat on Christmas Day?

Meat can only be eaten on Christmas Day. Roasted lamb and goatling are the most common Christmas Day meals, although there are some regions where Portuguese eat turkey. Turkey was common in the past for wealthy families, and it was often eaten after the Midnight Mass.

Which country eats the most cod?

Countries Consuming the Most Fish

• China – 2,035,262.17 tons.
• Myanmar – 1,501,415.06 tons.
• Vietnam – 1,148,447.43 tons.
• Japan – 730,783.86 tons.

What does bacalao mean in Portuguese?

cod
Bacalhau (Portuguese pronunciation: [bɐkɐˈʎaw]) is the Portuguese word for cod and—in a culinary context—dried and salted cod.

What religion only eats fish on Christmas?

Catholic
Eating Fish on Christmas Eve The eating of fish on Christmas Eve is a Catholic tradition. Catholics were expected to abstain from eating meat or products derived from animals such as butter or dairy on Fridays and holy days.

Which countries eat fish on Christmas Eve?

‘Celebrate with food’ Returning to Europe, fish is also the main festive focus in Italy and Portugal, where like Poland, the main Christmas meal is held on Christmas Eve. For the Portuguese, it has to be salt cod, which requires soaking in fresh water for a few days before it can be cooked.