FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

1. Essência do Vinho

prac_info Palácio da Bolsa, Rua Ferreira Borges • Adm • www.essenciadovinho.com • Mid-Feb

Wine tastings, talks and gastronomic experiences are among the highlights of Portugal’s biggest event for oenophiles. Wines from the slopes of the Douro to the verdant Minho region – are celebrated along with vintages from further afield in Portugal and the world.

2. Queima das Fitas do Porto

prac_info Parque da Cidade • www.queimadoporto.com • May

Just before the start of the study period that precedes the final university exams, Porto’s students celebrate their graduation and the end of the academic year with the traditional “Burning of the Ribbons”, a colourful parade that winds through Porto’s Parque da Cidade to the Town Hall. Graduating students carry a walking cane and wear a top hat in the colour of their faculty, second-years wear capes and first-years wear silly or funny costumes. Music and dance events take place across the city.

Graduating students with top hats and canes, Queima das Fitas do Porto

3. Festa do Senhor de Matosinhos

prac_info Igreja de Bom Jesus de Matosinhos • www.leca-palmeira.com • Late May–mid-Jun

Originally a solemn religious festival during which the image of Jesus Christ was carried through the streets of Matosinhos, this is now a lively three-week multicultural event with parades, fado performances, world music concerts and fireworks.

4. Festa de São Pedro da Afurada

prac_info São Pedro de Afurada • End of Jun

It is all about sardines at this festival in the fishing community of Afurada. Effigies of São Pedro, patron saint of fishermen, São Antonio and São João – the Santos Populares or the People’s Saints – are carried through the streets. A feast of fresh grilled seafood follows, with fireworks and dancing until the early hours.

5. Festa de São João

prac_info Praça da Ribeira and all over the historic centre • 23–4 June

São João (St John), Porto’s patron saint, is celebrated with spectacular midnight pyrotechnics, all-night free concerts and street parties. The next morning, a flotilla of traditional rabelo barges sails alongthe waterfront.

Musicians at the Festa de São João

6. Aquaporto

prac_info www.porto.pt • Oct

Three days of water-themed fun and educational events take place around the Pavilhao de Agua and the Parque da Cidade in Foz do Douro.

7. Festival de Francesinha

prac_info Praca Dom João I • Last weekend in Oct

Porto’s gooey, cholesterol-crammed signature sandwich is the hero of this moveable feast, at which visitors can compare francesinhas and the secret sauces individually created by a list of the city’s top snack-makers.

8. Porto Marathon

prac_info www.porto-marathon.com • Nov

Up to 5,000 athletes meet in Porto for this gruelling test of stamina and endurance. It starts and finishes at the Parque de Cidade.

9. Feira Artesano do Porto

prac_info Dec

Potters, woodcarvers and other craftspeople sell their wares at this extravaganza of arts and crafts.

10. Corrida de Sao de Silvestre

prac_info www.runporto.com • Late Dec

This friendly fun run through the city centre, starting at the City Hall on Avenida dos Aliados, has become an annual fixture, with thousands of locals and visitors taking part.