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Portugal

Saint Florian 's Day, celebrated on May 4 , honors a 3rd-century Christian Roman official born in Germany. He governed the Roman province of Norica, today Austria, and stood out for training soldiers to fight fires, being recognized as the patron saint of firefighters. According to legend, during a serious fire, he said a prayer and used a bucket of water to extinguish the flames, impressing many and converting some to Christianity. However, his faith brought him into conflict with Roman authorities during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. Florian refused to renounce his faith and was martyred, tied to a millstone and thrown into the River Enns, where he drowned. His celebration is marked by special ceremonies and tributes to firefighters around the world.

Saint Philip , celebrated on May 3 , was one of the first followers of Jesus, born in Bethsaida, Galilee, and was previously a disciple of Saint John the Baptist. Although mentioned little in the Gospels, he played an important role among the disciples. He presented the discovery of Jesus as the Messiah to Nathanael and had a notable participation in the multiplication of the loaves. At the Last Supper, his question about seeing the Father resulted in a profound revelation of Jesus' divinity. After the resurrection of Jesus, Philip dedicated himself to preaching the Gospel in Greece and Phrygia, accompanied by his family. Accounts of his death vary, with some indicating that he was crucified upside down and others that he was stoned. His devotion and sacrifice exemplify his dedication to the Christian faith.

Saint Mafalda 's Day, celebrated on May 2 , honors the life and virtues of the Portuguese infanta, known for her beauty and grace. She became queen of Castile at the age of 12, after marrying King Henry I, but the marriage was dissolved within just a year. Instead of seeking his inheritance after his father's death, he chose to distribute his assets among the poor and monasteries, dedicating himself to religious life and serving those in need. After her death on May 1, 1256, she was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1973. Her incorrupt body, discovered during exhumation for transfer, became the object of great religious devotion. The day is an opportunity for the Portuguese to reflect on their values and contributions to society.

April 25 is the day of the Carnation Revolution, a historic event in Portugal that took place on April 25, 1974, which overthrew the dictatorial regime of the Estado Novo, in power since 1933. Led by the Armed Forces Movement (MFA), composed mainly of captains who had participated in the Colonial War, the movement had massive popular support. The military action resulted in few civilian casualties and led to the appointment of the Junta de Salvação Nacional to govern the country. A period of social and political unrest known as PREC (Ongoing Revolutionary Process) followed. On April 25, 1976, a new democratic Constitution came into force, marking the end of the authoritarian regime and the beginning of a democratic period in Portugal. The military coup was triggered by dissatisfaction with the colonial war, internal divisions within the regime and political repression.

Magusto is a festival between October and November, associated with dates such as Saint Simon's Day, All Saints' Day and Saint Martin's Day. It is celebrated around bonfires, roasting chestnuts with jeropiga, açaí or new wine. The brave jump over the bonfire, and "filling" it with ashes is part of the tradition. Despite the rain in autumn, "Saint Martin's summer" brings sunshine. The legend of Saint Martin, related to a rainy day, explains this phenomenon. A specific tradition, the "Magusto da Velha", takes place in Aldeia de Viçosa on December 26, honoring a rich old woman with the throwing of chestnuts from the bell tower and prayers. The event in Barqueiros, Mesão Frio, connects magusto to ancient rituals in honor of the dead.