Portugal has been my home since I was ten years old, and even now, I’m still fascinated by the quirky beliefs and old traditions that shape daily life here. Superstitions are woven into everyday life — from stepping into a new home, to handling salt and roosters, and even making sure you don’t walk backwards! Some are sweet, some a little spooky, and some just plain surprising — but all of them add to Portugal’s unique sense of magic and wonder. If you’ve ever been curious about the secret traditions behind everyday life here, you’ll love this list of Portuguese superstitions that still linger in the modern world.
1. Walking Backwards Is Bad Luck
In Portugal, it’s believed that if you walk backwards, you’re showing the devil which way you’re going. A harmless skip or stumble might seem innocent enough, but in some older communities, you might get a few raised eyebrows if you’re seen walking backwards too casually!
2. The Evil Eye (Mau-Olhado)
The belief in the mau-olhado — the “evil eye” — is still strong, especially in rural parts of Portugal. It’s thought that envy can cause real harm, even unintentionally. Some people wear little blue eye charms (olho turco), red string bracelets, or carry protective amulets to ward off bad energy.
3. Don’t Lick Your Knife
Licking a knife is said to bring bad luck — and it’s also seen as terribly rude at the table. Old superstitions say that if you lick a knife, you’ll attract arguments or even cut your tongue spiritually — not something anyone wants!
4. Sweeping Over Someone’s Feet
If someone accidentally sweeps over your feet with a broom, legend says you’ll never get married!
(Or if you’re already married, it could bring bad luck to your relationship.) Quick fix? You’re supposed to immediately spit on the broom — or at least pretend to — to cancel the bad luck.
5. Bringing Bread Upside Down Is a No-No
Bread is seen as a sacred symbol — often tied to old religious beliefs. You should never leave a loaf of bread upside down on the table, as it’s considered disrespectful and invites misfortune into the home.
6. Carnaval and Entrudo: Welcoming Chaos Before Lent
Portugal’s pre-Lenten festivals — Carnaval and the older Entrudo — are wild, colourful traditions rooted in ancient celebrations of chaos before the seriousness of Lent. People dress up, throw flour or water (especially in smaller villages), and symbolically turn the world upside down for a few days of pure mischief.
7. New Year’s Eve: Twelve Grapes and Red Underwear
At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it’s traditional to eat twelve grapes — one for each chime of the clock — while making wishes for each month of the coming year. Wearing red underwear is also said to bring luck in love (and yellow for financial prosperity!). Well I guess I’ll be buying more yellow knickers in future lol!
8. Saint Anthony: Matchmaker Extraordinaire
In Lisbon, Saint Anthony is not just the patron saint of lost things — he’s also considered the ultimate matchmaker! During the Santo António Festival in June, single women sometimes write their wishes for love on slips of paper and tuck them under his statue — hoping for a little divine help in finding a partner.
9. The Power of the Olive Tree
The olive tree is considered almost sacred in Portugal — a symbol of peace, wisdom, and resilience. Planting an olive tree near your home is believed to bless the household with prosperity and protection for generations. We had some gorgeous olive trees at our old house that Michael shaped by hand. We’ve got a few in the new place too, and I’m excited to see what he does with them this time! Olive trees are such classic beauties — and they’re perfect for a bit of topiary fun.
10. Houses with Blue Trim for Protection
In the Algarve and some other regions, you’ll notice many houses with white walls and blue trim.
It’s not just pretty — traditionally, the blue was said to ward off evil spirits and protect the home from misfortune. (Other colours like yellow and green also had their own symbolic meanings.)
More Portuguese Superstitions & Traditions
11. Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder
If you spill salt, it’s traditional to toss a pinch over your left shoulder to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.
(And honestly, in some households, it’s almost automatic — no one even questions it!)
12. The Rooster of Barcelos
The colourful ceramic rooster (Galo de Barcelos) is one of Portugal’s most beloved symbols. It represents good luck, honesty, and justice, and it’s common to see one perched proudly in kitchens or entrance halls to protect the home. If you want to read more, check out this article.
13. The Number 13
Like in many cultures, the number 13 is considered unlucky. Some buildings skip the 13th floor, and many people avoid planning weddings, christenings, or other major events on the 13th of the month — just in case! I actually quite like the number 13—it’s always had such a bad rap, lol!
14. Don’t Toast with Water
When making a toast (um brinde), always use wine or another festive drink. Clinking glasses with water is said to invite bad luck (and who wants to risk that?!).
15. Never Place Your Purse on the Floor
Setting your purse or wallet on the floor is believed to attract financial misfortune. To keep prosperity flowing, always place your bag somewhere safe and elevated. I must remember this one because this is one of my bad habits!!
16. Don’t Pass the Salt Hand-to-Hand
Passing the salt shaker directly from one hand to another is considered bad luck. Instead, place it on the table for the other person to pick up themselves.
17. Opening an Umbrella Indoors
It’s a classic superstition around the world, and in Portugal too — opening an umbrella inside is asking for bad luck to rain down on you.
18. Fado: Singing the Soul
Fado isn’t just music — it’s almost a sacred ritual. When someone sings Fado, audiences remain silent and respectful, honouring the deep feelings of saudade (that beautifully Portuguese sense of longing and bittersweet nostalgia). My all-time favourite fado song is Canção do Mar. It was originally sung by the legendary Amália Rodrigues, but I have to say, I adore the version by Dulce Pontes — it gives me goosebumps every time!
Have a listen (below) — you might even recognise it, as it has appeared in several movies and TV shows over the years!
19. Saint John’s Night (Noite de São João)
If you ever find yourself in Porto during the São João Festival, don’t be surprised if a stranger taps you on the head with a plastic hammer or waves a garlic flower at you! It’s all in good fun — and meant to bring luck and happiness for the coming year.
20. Stepping with the Right Foot
When entering a new home, starting a new job, or even just stepping into a room for the first time, it’s considered lucky to step in with your right foot first — a little way of starting off on the right track.
Bonus: Popular Sayings and Proverbs
Portuguese culture is rich with wise and poetic proverbs (provérbios) passed down through generations.
Here are a couple of favourites:
- “Deitar cedo e cedo erguer dá saúde e faz crescer.”
(Early to bed and early to rise gives health and makes you grow.) - “Casa onde não há pão, todos ralham e ninguém tem razão.”
(A house without bread, everyone argues and no one is right.)
There’s something timeless about these little sayings — simple truths wrapped up in beautiful words.
There’s something so comforting about these Portuguese superstitions, little rituals and old sayings — they remind us that life isn’t just about logic and routine. Sometimes it’s about a pinch of salt, a lucky rooster, or a whispered wish made at midnight. Even if you’re not superstitious yourself, I think there’s a certain kind of magic in keeping these traditions alive — in celebrating the quirky, human side of life that binds us all together.
Have you ever come across any Portuguese superstitions or traditions yourself? Or maybe your own family has a few quirky beliefs you grew up with? I’d absolutely love to hear about them — let me know in the comments below!
