Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, known as "Corpo de Deus" in Portugal, is a significant Catholic holiday celebrated 60 days after Easter Sunday. It honors the Eucharist, the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and is a public holiday in Portugal. The day is marked by religious processions, where the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets, often adorned with elaborate decorations, including flower petals and intricate carpets made from colored sawdust or salt. These vibrant displays are a hallmark of the celebration, particularly in towns like Ponta Delgada in the Azores and Braga on the mainland. Churches hold special Masses, and the faithful participate in communal worship, reflecting the deep-rooted Catholic traditions of the country. Corpus Christi is a time for both spiritual reflection and cultural expression, blending religious devotion with local customs.