URGENT UPDATE: A viral TikTok video is capturing attention as Jo Martins, a woman living in the UK, reveals her father’s shocking refusal to visit for Christmas due to his devotion to a traditional Portuguese dish, bacalhau. This surprising family dilemma has ignited discussions online about holiday priorities and cultural traditions.
Jo, who recently became a mother, expressed her disbelief that her father would choose bacalhau—dried and salted cod—over spending Christmas with his granddaughter. In her video, she recounts a phone call with her mother where she learned that her father was unwilling to travel from Portugal to the UK unless his beloved dish was prepared. “He said, ‘No bacalhau, no Christmas,’” Jo stated, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
As Christmas approaches, the stakes are high. Jo’s mother is set to arrive in the UK today, bringing with her a suitcase full of the iconic fish to ensure it is ready for a festive dinner on December 24. Jo revealed, “My dad and my sister are coming on the 22nd. My mum is coming today with luggage full of bloody cod that stinks!” This commitment to tradition underscores the emotional weight of cultural practices during the holiday season.
The humor in Jo’s predicament has resonated widely, with commenters on TikTok both empathizing and laughing at her father’s culinary priorities. “Better than dry turkey!” one user quipped, while another humorously noted, “You can’t take bacalhau from a Portuguese person.” This online reaction emphasizes the universal struggle many face when balancing family obligations with cherished traditions.
Despite suggestions from viewers that Jo could source bacalhau from local Portuguese supermarkets in London, she explained that her location makes that option impractical. “With Christmas so close, having my mum make it at home is likely the better option to avoid disappointing my fish-loving father,” she concluded.
This heartwarming and humorous tale reflects the importance of family traditions during the festive season, sparking conversations about what truly matters during the holidays. As families around the world prepare to gather, Jo’s story serves as a reminder of the cultural ties that bind us—even when they come in the form of a salted fish.
As the countdown to Christmas continues, many are left wondering: How far will you go to keep your family traditions alive?
