Portugal

Because of Portugal's history—in early medieval times when it was occupied by the Moors and later when it established an extensive colonial empire—the nation's games and pastimes have been heavily influenced by other parts of the world, as well as from neighboring Spain. Some of the early games popular in the country, such as backgammon, were introduced during the Moorish rule and the long connections that Portugal maintained with Morocco. Subsequently, the introduction of Roman Catholicism to the conservative Portuguese society led to many religious festivals and holidays during which there were pageants, parades, puppet shows, and acting or theater.

Chess became popular with the wealthier people in the country during the late medieval period, and with the establishment of Portugal's colonial empire, some of the Chess pieces started to be influenced by themes, with Macanese pieces from Portugal's colony of Macao, China, being popular. The Chess Federacao Portuguesa de Xadrez remains the body overseeing Chess in the country, which is promoted in many schools throughout Portugal.

For sports, soccer has been the most popular pastime with young Portuguese, and it is played in schools, youth groups and community associations around the country. Because of its close connections, there is almost as much interest in Brazilian soccer competitions as in those taking place in Europe. For teenagers, camping, especially through the Boy Scout and Girl Guide Movements, is also a popular pastime, although under Salazar the Mocidade Portuguesa was the major youth group for boys.

Along with jigsaw puzzles, there are also a large number board games in the country. The Portuguese version of the board game Monopoly has important streets from a number of cities in Portugal including Lisbon, Braga, Coimbra, Porto, and Setúbal.

The colonial heritage of the country has led to much interest in Wargaming, and it was a popular hobby for boys and men from middle class families. One of the most popular periods centers on the Portuguese invasion of Morocco in 1578, culminating in the Battle of the Three Kings, although medieval themes, particularly around the Crusades and the Reconquista in Spain attracted many people, as did the Peninsula War, when Napoleon's troops invaded the country in 1807. These periods of history were heavily promoted during the dictatorship of Salazar, and since 1974 there has been interest in Portugal's colonial wars, with a number of books published for wargamers and reenactment enthusiasts on both medieval and modern Portuguese military history.

In some communities, especially on the island of Madeira, many women were involved in making lace, and some women continue to make it for pleasure. There are countless clubs, societies, and associations in the country. The Portuguese Aero Club was established in 1910 for flying enthusiasts; and the Kennel Club was established in 1931 for the promotion of pets, especially dogs. For wealthier Portuguese, gardening and garden design are popular recreations.