Thanks once again for a lovely, and very interesting story. Atum is definitely a staple here in Portugal. You mentioned your neighbours were surprised when you invited them into your home. South Africans, like me, are very hospitable and love to entertain in our homes. However, we were told by a few locals that it is not common for Portuguese people to invite you into their homes. Also that most of the locals will be suspicious when you send an invite...apparently they will wonder what you want in return. We have experienced this reception. So for us it is an odd situation to navigate.
I’m Portuguese South African, Juli still living in Cape Town. From my upbringing (both parents Portuguese) I can confirm the Portuguese have huge social lives. Every weekend will be spent with family, food and wine and liqueurs / port at one person or another’s home. Because in previous times people were more religious and followed the Catholic way of procreation. Seven children was not uncommon and this meant large families. My aunts, uncles and first cousins on my mother’s side only are 100 people. This didn’t include second cousins who are regarded as the same as first cousins and not distant relatives. This meant weekends were spent at one or other family’s house, with only traditional food, an abundance or wine and any and all liqueurs. Each family would bring something and to have 10 or 20 desserts was not uncommon. Reason I’m revealing this is because there are / were so many people in our family it was unnecessary to socialise outside of the family unit. There was simply no time, and inviting strangers to such a tight knit family gathering where everyone was both family and best friends would have been awkward. Having said that, non-blood friends were sometimes invited but then they were always Portuguese from the same region in Portugal. Times have changed, people have emigrated the family is far flung all over the world but when we all come together nothing has changed. Now, to compare - if my family are in Portugal mainland, we are regarded as foreigners and the chance of being assimilated into the culture is zero. In Madeira, where my family are from, it’s the same family social construct and by blood I have access to any number of family occasions. Friends will be common because they’re from a homogenous, regional society. I hope this helps to understand the culture a little better. I’m as much a foreigner as anyone else in Portugal and my friends are mostly expats in Lisbon.
Thanks for clearing this up. However, I still find it odd that 2 young Portuguese told me that the Portuguese are generally suspicious of foreigners' meal invitations. Is this painting everyone with the same brush or is it more area specific? We live in a town similar to Stellenbosch, maybe a bit smaller.
It’s difficult to navigate, even for me in mainland Portugal. And remember they DO love a drink, and there are wonderful liqueurs you could make at home if you find the right recipes 😉. Perhaps this also might enable the start of friendships 🌟.
I’ll do my best to explain my understanding of your question. Since it’s not in keeping with the PT culture to randomly socialise amongst their own culture, I feel sure they would find it “odd” to receive a random invitation from a foreigner. They will socialise with PT people who they know through family. Or they may have grown up in a town and have known everyone for many years and developed friendships over that time. In-laws are regarded as close family and the two families will often socialise as one, inclusive of the extended in-law family. If a PT person moved to a new town and didn’t know anyone they wouldn’t invite their new neighbours to their house, and vice versa. But I doubt many PT people randomly move to a new town because they won’t be isolated from family roots. (Apart from moving to Lisbon or a major city for work). It’s different to cultures descended from / influenced by Britain in that we meet people we like, swap contact details and plan to see them again. Introduce them to friends of friends and grow a community network. The PT culture assumes everyone has a great big family network and they are comfortable within those known social norms. Not to say there are never exceptions. I realise this is hard to grasp. When I was growing up I fought hard to have friendships outside of “the culture”. There are some things that just aren’t “done”. Perhaps if you asked a local woman to teach you how to make a certain dish, how to do a traditional craft, how to plant / grow certain fruit / veggies, support neighbours in times of crisis, leave excess fruit / veg outside their front door, baby steps over time in ways that are familiar to them could develop friendships over time. They value these kinds of simple things.
Muito obrigada Simone. This was the information I needed. I will now try harder and smarter to make friends with the locals, when we move to a small village in September.
The robes give Hogwarts vibes! If J.K. Rowling saw the colorful robes of the confraria, maybe the Harry Potter series would have turned into a different genre, haha.
thanks for a great post. Who knew about these great groups... now we know thanks to your lovely report. Even though you don't eat the tuna, the social aspect of the group might still be worthwhile. Enjoy!
I found your article concerning the Confraria de Atum, that flourishes in your town, most interestinng and informative. The existence of these associations and societies, frequently with their own distinctive and colurful uniforms, is an aspect of Portuguese society that would seem to be very little known outside this country.
Thank for another unusual aspect of your life in Portugal. I love the idea of food brotherhoods/fraternities/associations that have open to all memberships and celebrate their mutual love of food. How uplifting. What are your planned robe colors / pins for vegan / vegetarian? Or is that an olive oil branch?!
We'll join the wine confraria! -CW
We learn several somethings new here daily!
Thanks once again for a lovely, and very interesting story. Atum is definitely a staple here in Portugal. You mentioned your neighbours were surprised when you invited them into your home. South Africans, like me, are very hospitable and love to entertain in our homes. However, we were told by a few locals that it is not common for Portuguese people to invite you into their homes. Also that most of the locals will be suspicious when you send an invite...apparently they will wonder what you want in return. We have experienced this reception. So for us it is an odd situation to navigate.
I’m Portuguese South African, Juli still living in Cape Town. From my upbringing (both parents Portuguese) I can confirm the Portuguese have huge social lives. Every weekend will be spent with family, food and wine and liqueurs / port at one person or another’s home. Because in previous times people were more religious and followed the Catholic way of procreation. Seven children was not uncommon and this meant large families. My aunts, uncles and first cousins on my mother’s side only are 100 people. This didn’t include second cousins who are regarded as the same as first cousins and not distant relatives. This meant weekends were spent at one or other family’s house, with only traditional food, an abundance or wine and any and all liqueurs. Each family would bring something and to have 10 or 20 desserts was not uncommon. Reason I’m revealing this is because there are / were so many people in our family it was unnecessary to socialise outside of the family unit. There was simply no time, and inviting strangers to such a tight knit family gathering where everyone was both family and best friends would have been awkward. Having said that, non-blood friends were sometimes invited but then they were always Portuguese from the same region in Portugal. Times have changed, people have emigrated the family is far flung all over the world but when we all come together nothing has changed. Now, to compare - if my family are in Portugal mainland, we are regarded as foreigners and the chance of being assimilated into the culture is zero. In Madeira, where my family are from, it’s the same family social construct and by blood I have access to any number of family occasions. Friends will be common because they’re from a homogenous, regional society. I hope this helps to understand the culture a little better. I’m as much a foreigner as anyone else in Portugal and my friends are mostly expats in Lisbon.
Thanks for clearing this up. However, I still find it odd that 2 young Portuguese told me that the Portuguese are generally suspicious of foreigners' meal invitations. Is this painting everyone with the same brush or is it more area specific? We live in a town similar to Stellenbosch, maybe a bit smaller.
It’s difficult to navigate, even for me in mainland Portugal. And remember they DO love a drink, and there are wonderful liqueurs you could make at home if you find the right recipes 😉. Perhaps this also might enable the start of friendships 🌟.
I’ll do my best to explain my understanding of your question. Since it’s not in keeping with the PT culture to randomly socialise amongst their own culture, I feel sure they would find it “odd” to receive a random invitation from a foreigner. They will socialise with PT people who they know through family. Or they may have grown up in a town and have known everyone for many years and developed friendships over that time. In-laws are regarded as close family and the two families will often socialise as one, inclusive of the extended in-law family. If a PT person moved to a new town and didn’t know anyone they wouldn’t invite their new neighbours to their house, and vice versa. But I doubt many PT people randomly move to a new town because they won’t be isolated from family roots. (Apart from moving to Lisbon or a major city for work). It’s different to cultures descended from / influenced by Britain in that we meet people we like, swap contact details and plan to see them again. Introduce them to friends of friends and grow a community network. The PT culture assumes everyone has a great big family network and they are comfortable within those known social norms. Not to say there are never exceptions. I realise this is hard to grasp. When I was growing up I fought hard to have friendships outside of “the culture”. There are some things that just aren’t “done”. Perhaps if you asked a local woman to teach you how to make a certain dish, how to do a traditional craft, how to plant / grow certain fruit / veggies, support neighbours in times of crisis, leave excess fruit / veg outside their front door, baby steps over time in ways that are familiar to them could develop friendships over time. They value these kinds of simple things.
Muito obrigada Simone. This was the information I needed. I will now try harder and smarter to make friends with the locals, when we move to a small village in September.
Those men are a very stylish bunch!
The robes give Hogwarts vibes! If J.K. Rowling saw the colorful robes of the confraria, maybe the Harry Potter series would have turned into a different genre, haha.
Totally cool. I like the idea of the Tuna Bacon.
Fascinating! I love the idea of a wine confraria.
I am sure there are confrarias up in the Porto area.
Still so much to learn.
Very entertaining read!
This is super cool, Nancy, thanks for sharing. From your photo, it's not surprise Ana's was the busiest booth!
😵😂
We still think you should call it Tuna Hall! Hah! From your good friends Lucille and Eric 🤣
thanks for a great post. Who knew about these great groups... now we know thanks to your lovely report. Even though you don't eat the tuna, the social aspect of the group might still be worthwhile. Enjoy!
I found your article concerning the Confraria de Atum, that flourishes in your town, most interestinng and informative. The existence of these associations and societies, frequently with their own distinctive and colurful uniforms, is an aspect of Portuguese society that would seem to be very little known outside this country.
Alexander McGeoch (Campo De Ouriquue, Lisbon)
What a fun and fascinating snapshot of your life in VRSA, Nanc. I enjoy your articles so much and yearn to return there. One day hopefully soon.
I once joined a secret rare fruit society. That's all I can say on the matter
I always loved your sense of humour. All the best!
Thank for another unusual aspect of your life in Portugal. I love the idea of food brotherhoods/fraternities/associations that have open to all memberships and celebrate their mutual love of food. How uplifting. What are your planned robe colors / pins for vegan / vegetarian? Or is that an olive oil branch?!