EXPLORE PORTUGAL’S CULTURE WITHOUT LEAVING HOME
If you’re looking at “getting away” from “safe at home” orders for a bit, why not drift off to Portugal?
Today, Portugal further loosens restrictions with the end of the Covid-19 “State of Emergency.” While authorities continue to recommend physical distancing and other containment measures, economic and social activity will be allowed to resume in stages. First, on May 4, was the return of public transit and the opening of libraries, zoos and aquariums, along with shops up to 2150 square feet in size, plus bookstores and car sales. Hairdressers, barber shops and manicurists were also opened, by appointment only. Beaches remain closed, but access to the sea for swimming and surfing is permitted. Starting today, museums, art galleries and other cultural places will open, as well as shops up to 4300 square feet in size. Restaurants, cafes, bakeries and outdoor terraces can also open, to 50% maximum capacity. Click here for more details.
Exploring Portuguese Culture Online
Portuguese culture online is our theme this month. With the current suspension on flights between the USA and Portugal, we ask the question ‘if you can’t VisitPortugal right now, why not ReadPortugal until you can?’ The program enables would-be travelers to look for inspiration in writing, to later discover – or rediscover – the places and literary landscapes chosen by Portuguese writers and poets. The website helps you find writers online, or books that are available within the USA.
https://youtu.be/PjUi9h-cGdc
The promotional video released, conveys the words of authors Fernando Pessoa, Luís de Camões, Florbela Espanca, Eça de Queiroz, Sofia de Mello Breyner and José Saramago – with an impressive backdrop of images. ReadPortugal will include additional writers and poets, throughout the year, who were inspired by Portugal to create their works. And now inspire us to travel to Portugal from our homes.
To see some more of Portugal’s natural beauty, take a look at the Can’t Skip Hope video, or even just a Lisbon tram ride from your sofa!
VisitPortugal has a diverse array of virtual cultural experiences for people to enjoy. Some highlights follow below:
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Portugal Virtual Events
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Art and Heritage Online
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Museu Nacional Grao Vasc
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Music at Gulbenkian
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D. Maria II at Home
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Fundacao Serralves Virtual Exhibition
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Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga Virtual Tour
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Berardo Museum New Works – Julian Opie
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Museu Calouste Gulvenkian Virtual Exhibition
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About Portugal
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Portugal is a unique gem of Europe. While the country has eight centuries of history with marvelous castles and architecture, it is also a must-visit place for foodies, adventure seekers, avid golfers and surfers, from beginners to pros. Although a small country (roughly the size of Maine), Portugal’s landscape varies from north to south and islands, as well as the local culture and gastronomy. It is a destination that has something to offer to everyone and all ages.
Portugal is ranked the third safest country in the world, and welcoming of people of all religious backgrounds and sexual orientation. Portugal set a new record by welcoming more than 27 million guests in 2019; 7.3% more than in the previous year. The European nation saw 69.9 million overnight stays (+4.1%), with domestic tourism (+7.5%) rising at a rate slightly higher than foreign tourism (+7.1%), due to the booming economy. The fastest growing market in 2019 was the United States (+20.2%). For the first time, more than one million US guests visited Portugal last year, following five years of double-digit growth. The destination experienced an average monthly increase of 20.9% US guests, and a 22% growth in stays, achieving 2019’s goals in just 10 months. |
Feature image courtesy of visit visitportugal.com/en, Credit Emanuele Siracusa – Centro de Portugal
