Portuguese Culture Trivia Quiz

Answer: Men dressed in masks and costumes

Caretos are most prominently seen during Carnival but can be seen at other times as well. They are typically young, unmarried men who dress in elaborate, multicolored costumes and masks and attempt to scare people, usually young women. Caretos have their origins in ancient Celtic times.

Answer: Grape varieties

Castas are the different grape varieties grown in Portugal, only some of which can legally be used to make wine. Portugal produces a wide variety of wines, the most famous of which is robably the Port wine from the area in and around Porto. Wine is produced throughout the country and Portugal is a world leader in wine production.

Answer: The Gospel According to Jesus Christ

"The Gospel According to Jesus Christ" was considered offensive to Christianity because it portrayed a fictional version of Jesus who had human flaws. As a result, Saramago left Portugal for Spain and died there in 2010. In addition to his controversies, Saramago was also criticized for his style choices.

He was known for writing really long run-on sentences and not putting dialogue in quotation marks, making his works difficult to read and understand.

Answer: The city of Porto

"Douro, Faina Fluvial" translates to "Labor on the Douro" referring to the Douro River on which Porto lies. The film debuted in 1931 and was not well received. Afterwards, de Oliveira stopped making films for a short while as he was discouraged. However, the documentary was well liked by some critics, particularly outside of Portugal.

Answer: The first soccer match in Portugal

The Portuguese are known worldwide for their love of soccer or futbol. Camacha hosted the nation's first match in 1875 when British students studying on Madeira organized a game. Today, a wall memorial stands on that location. Portugal is the birthplace of many of the world's premiere soccer stars including Cristiano Ronaldo.

Answer: Sticks

Jogo do pau stems from Medieval times when families would fight for honor. A similar fighting style was also used in wars because it could be done on horseback. It was also used as recently as the Napoleonic Wars. Jogo do pau has evolved over time and many scholars suggest the more recent incarnations may be influenced by Indian fighting styles that were incorporated into the original after Portugal colonized India.

Answer: 1755 Earthquake

During the 1755 earthquake that devastated Lisbon, the city needed to be rebuilt. Sebastiao Jose de Carvalho e Melo, the first Marquess of Pombal, developed the Pombaline style which was believed to keep the city safe should another earthquake strike.

The style is characterized by wooden panels that would be covered with other materials, giving buildings flexibility so they can "shake but not fall". Pombaline style can be described as a mix of rococo and medieval in decorative style.

Answer: Salted cod

Bachalhau is traditionally salted cod though it may also be dried. It can be served all year round but it is mostly reserved for Christmas and other celebrations. Portugal is not the only place in Europe were Bacalhau is a traditional dish. Similarly salted cods are popular in Scandinavia and Spain.

Answer: Fado

Fado is characterized as mournful music that creates a sense of longing. It is usually performed in tribute to someone or something lost or in the past. Fado translates to fate in English.

Amalia Rodrigues was called the Queen of Fado because she brought the music to the international stage during the 1950s and 60s. Many of Portugal's entries into the Eurovision Song Contest have been Fado songs.

Answer: Nuno Goncalves

Nuno Goncalves was a famous 15th century Portuguese painter known for his portrayals of noble Portuguese people. His most famous works are the "Panels of Saint Vincent" which were rediscovered in the 19th century after the panels were moved around constantly. It is not known for sure if Goncalves is the actual artist but he is credited with painting them.

The panels are a subject of controversy in Portugal as no one is certain who or what is exactly depicted. The alleged appearance of Prince Henry the Navigator is perhaps the most notable.