Portugal’s Love Affair With Sardines

Sardines are much more than just little fish to the Portuguese…. they’re an institution

Sardines are synonymous with Portugal due to their long-standing cultural and culinary significance in the country. With it’s vast coastline, and waters rich in marine life, sardines are abundant in the Atlantic Ocean along the Portuguese coast. Fishing has been a traditional and essential economic activity for the Portuguese people, and sardines have been a staple catch for them.

Sardines have been a part of Portuguese cuisine for centuries. The tradition of grilling or roasting sardines during the summer months, particularly during festivals and celebrations, is deeply ingrained in Portuguese culture. The aroma of sardines being grilled on the streets is a familiar scent during festivals, and in Lisbon, sardines are the hero’s of the the Feast of St. Anthony, also known as the "Santo António"…. it sure is a “feast”.

Grilling sardines is not just a culinary practice; it's also a social activity. Friends and family often gather for informal meals where sardines are grilled and enjoyed together, contributing to the sense of community and shared cultural identity.

Portugal is also known for its canned sardines industry, which has a long history. The canning of sardines became popular in the early 20th century, and Portuguese canned sardines gained international recognition for their quality. The iconic packaging and labeling of Portuguese sardine cans often feature vibrant and artistic designs.

The image of sardines is often used in Portuguese tourism and marketing. Visitors to Portugal commonly encounter sardine-related souvenirs, including decorative ceramic sardines and other items featuring sardine motifs. Many visitors to Lisbon will return home from their holidays with a tin of sardines and in Lisbon’s main airport terminal, there is an entire store dedicated to tinned sardines.