‘Tis the gift-giving season, which puts us in mind of some special souvenirs of Portugal that also would make perfect presents for everyone on your list:
Filigree jewelry is typical in the north of Portugal. It comes in gold or silver, in traditional motifs, such as the classic “Heart of Viana,” as well as more contemporary designs. In the gold-mining city of Gondomar, near Porto, groups can follow The Filigree Route and visit some filigree workshops as well as try making some themselves.
Cork is quintessentially Portuguese, and not just because it’s used to stopper a bottle of wine. Portugal is the biggest producer of this sustainable, versatile product and the rugged cork oaks it comes from are a feature of its rural landscapes. Transformed into a leather-like and supple material, cork is being made into things like handbags, wallets, briefcases, hats, belts, shoes…you name it, all vegan and eco-friendly.
Azulejos, whether an individual tile, a panel of them depicting a scene or a pattern printed onto virtually anything, are very representative of Portugal and, of course, highly decorative. Even those traveling light can take home a textile or jewelry version, and more artistic travelers might want to try their hand at painting or mosaic workshops and take home their own tile creation.
Soaps and other scented home and body care products from distinctively Portuguese brands such as Ach. Brito, Confiança, Claus Porto, Castelbel and Benamôr offer affordable luxury in beautiful packaging.
St. Anthony isn’t actually the patron saint of Lisbon, but many shops offer jewelry or little statues representing him. He was born in Lisbon and his feast day on June 13th is celebrated with parades and street parties–as well as a mass wedding in the cathedral, because he is the patron saint of love and marriage. (He’s also the patron saint of lost things, so this may be just the ticket for a loved one who is constantly misplacing their keys.)
Sardines are ubiquitous in Portugal, and not just freshly grilled on a plate. Visitors passing through Lisbon Airport will have noted the carnival-like Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa shop (indeed, it’s hard to miss it), but canned sardines have become a bit of a gastronomic thing, in lots of flavor variations and vintage packaging, in specialty stores and even the normal tinned fish aisle in most hypermarkets. Those who don’t eat fish might prefer a chocolate version, perhaps from the venerable Portuguese confectioners Arcádia, or a ceramic one from the iconic Bordallo Pinheiro factory. They make a realistic-looking one (like the other animal and fruit and vegetable earthenware shapes they are famous for), but in collaboration with Lisbon City Council and EGEAC (Lisbon’s cultural agency), they also created a colorful, whimsically decorated series that are highly collectible, as well as gift-able.
Bordallo Pinheiro also first registered a patent for a set of realistic ceramic swallows in 1896, and you’ll often see a whole flock of these black and white glazed earthenware birds on the wall of a Portuguese house. For a nation that has a long history of emigration, these migratory birds are a beloved symbol of home, because they return to the same nest every year. They also mate for life and raise their chicks together, so make a sweet wedding present.
Of course, the very best souvenir to take home from any country are the memories made there. Why not make 2023 one to remember: Book a tour now with Terracotta Journeys.
By Holly Blades
Fish mosaic photo by Lisbon Mosaics