Jackie Aleman, Patti Hagen, Alexis Hinojosa, and Jodi Marks
A+ Team
Ms. Young
Comm 04 T/TH
May 19th, 2020

Cultural Assignment Outline

I. Introduction:
1.	Attention Getter: Every culture has something that defines it-that makes it special.
2.	General Purpose: Our general purpose with this presentation is to inform.
3.	Specific Purpose: Our specific purpose is to educate others on the unique traditions of the Portuguese culture, including holidays, traditions, dances and music, and religion.
4.	Thesis Statement: After researching the Portuguese culture and experiencing its prosperous customs, we determined that Portugal houses a colorful and marvelous culture that more people should know about.

II. Body

A. First Point: Holidays
1.	Many Portuguese holidays place focus on family and religion.
2.	The Domingos em familia is a Portuguese tradition in which families meet up and bond together.
3.	Portuguese people tend to be more spontaneous than sedentary in their celebrations.
4.	Festas de Espirito Santo is a festival, usually held on Pentecost Sunday, that promotes devotion to the Holy Spirit. People attend Mass, throw a parade, dance, and feast.
5.	Each municipality was allowed to reserve one day to celebrate their own customs. Most municipalities use this day to honor their Patron Saint.

B. Second Point: Traditions
1.	Social and educational customs highlight the friendly aspect of Portuguese culture.
2.	Most Portuguese traditions and festivals are held in June. This includes the popular Santos Populares which honors many municipalities’ Patron Saints.
3.	People decorate the streets with garlands and balloons to create beautiful scenery.
4.	Feasts and dances are prominent in the streets.
5.	People stay up to celebrate. Nights often end with a fireworks show and watching the sunrise.

     C. Third Point: Dance and Music
1.	Large, circular motions and complicated footwork are defining features of Portuguese dance.
2.	Men’s dance garments are traditionally basic sets of black and white shirts and trousers. Women wear long and full dresses hat match colors head-to-toe.
3.	There are many different styles of traditional Portuguese dance, but most include energetic movements and many spins.
4.	Portuguese music employs guitars, accordions, bagpipes, and finger-snapping.

     D. Fourth Point: Religious Traditions
1.	Portugal has a strong historical tie to Catholicism. Around 80% of Portuguese people identify as Roman Catholic.
2.	Pilgrims gather to the Sanctuary of Fatima in search of healing from the Virgin Mary.
3.	Portuguese people honor the dead and give sweets to children to celebrate All Saint’s Day.
4.	Holy Week is a religious week dedicated to hosting festivals around Easter.
5.	Superstition and religious/spiritual folklore are still prominent in Portugal.

III. Conclusion
1.	Restatement of Thesis: Our research has given rise to the conclusion that Portugal contains an underrated though wonderous culture to be explored.
2.	Reference to Attention-Getter: The Portuguese culture is defined by its lively and inviting nature.
3.	Strong Closing Statement: We sincerely hope that our research has also convinced others to notice the beauty of Portugal’s wonderous culture.