The Queima das Fitas (literally “Burning of the Ribbons”) is a traditional event in Portuguese universities, particularly in Porto and Coimbra and in Porto it typically takes place in early May, being a week-long celebration that marks the end of the academic year for university students. The event’s name derives its significance from the colourful ribbons worn by students, each representing their respective faculties or courses and that students wear as a symbol of their academic achievements.
This year’s edition occurs between 5th and 11th of May and it kicks off, as usual, with the Monumental Serenata (Monumental Serenade), at the dawn of Sunday 5th. Throughout the week, Porto becomes a hub of cultural vibrancy hosting a myriad of concerts (with emphasis on the famous Noites da Queima), theatre performances, and other artistic endeavours organized by student associations and as the sun sets, the city’s nightlife also comes alive with special events and parties provided by clubs and bars of the city to the energetic student crowd.
The third day of the celebration week, May the 7th, brings on the most anticipated event of the week, O Cortejo Académico (the Academic Parade). Starting at 2 pm, thousands of students from the Porto’s Academy will paint the city’s streets with the colours of their top hats and canes to represent the various education institutions. The route begins at Rua de Camões, going down to Praça General Humberto Delgado, at the top of Avenida dos Aliados. This event also brings together many spectators and many of those are the student’s proud families, who watch, attentively and with joy, the student parade.Queima das Fitas embodies the spirit of Porto’s youth, blending tradition, camaraderie, and celebration into a memorable event cherished by students and locals alike.
