Fat Tuesday in Porto

Posted on March 11, 2025

Fat Tuesday isn’t just any Tuesday. It’s the grand finale of Carnival, a day of indulgence before Lent’s fasting season begins. While many associate Fat Tuesday with Mardi Gras celebrations in Brazil or New Orleans, the tradition has deep roots across European Catholic countries, including Portugal.

If you’re in Porto for Fat Tuesday, you’re in for a feast! Here’s everything you need to know about:

The meaning of Fat Tuesday;
What’s traditionally eaten;
How to celebrate it in Porto.

What’s the Meaning of Fat Tuesday in Porto?

The tradition of Carnival began several centuries ago in Catholic countries in Europe as preparation for Easter. Carnival takes place in the week before Lent as a sort of farewell to certain treats, representing the forty days Jesus Christ fasted in the desert leading up to Easter. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called this festival Carnevale, which means “to put away the meat.”

Lent has traditionally been preceded by a week of overindulgence, culminating in Carnival (or Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Terça-feira Gorda in Portuguese. This is all pretty self-explanatory, right?). Historically, this day was an opportunity to indulge in rich, fatty foods before the restrictions of Lent began.

Portugal, with its strong Catholic heritage, embraces the festive spirit of Fat Tuesday, making it a day filled with joyful parades, costumes, and, most importantly, delicious food!

What Is Traditionally Eaten on Fat Tuesday in Portugal?

Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich flavors and hearty dishes. And Fat Tuesday is the perfect occasion to enjoy them before Lent begins. Sweets like pão-de-ló (the Portuguese take on sponge cake) are popular in some regions, but the true star of the Fat Tuesday feast in Porto is Cozido à Portuguesa.

Cozido à Portuguesa: Portugal’s National Dish

Cozido à Portuguesa is a beloved Portuguese stew, considered one of the most traditional and indulgent dishes in the country. Perfect for Fat Tuesday, this dish is a carnivore’s dream. It features a variety of meats such as pork, beef, chicken, and sausages (chouriço, morcela). It is slow-cooked with vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and turnips, creating a rich and comforting meal.

Since Lent historically required abstaining from meat, Fat Tuesday was the perfect excuse to enjoy one final, hearty meal before the fasting period began. Even today, many Portuguese families and restaurants serve Cozido à Portuguesa on Fat Tuesday as a nod to this long-standing tradition.

Now, look at that pile of meat! Want to learn how to make Cozido à Portuguesa at home? Visit our YouTube channel for the full recipe!