Education
The sardine is a very popular fish in Portugal, a country where fishing is a tradition. The history of sardines in Portugal spans centuries: even before the Roman occupation of the region (218 BC). This small fish, very common on the Atlantic coasts of France and Morocco, has been a traditional national symbol of Portugal for centuries. It is so well embedded in Portuguese culture that there are several records of this dish in Portuguese literature, also rooted in songs and even as the name of some families. Roasting sardines has become a tradition in Portuguese culture and roasting them on the sidewalks is a hallmark of Portugal. Seasoned with thick salt, the fish are placed directly on the embers. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, sardines were a staple dish for countless rural families in the country.