The city’s biggest student festival overcomes weather setbacks. A week of music, rituals, and academic pride awaits locals and visitors alike.

Despite relentless rain and an earlier power outage that delayed preparations, the excitement among Porto’s students remains unshaken for Queima das Fitas, one of Portugal’s most iconic academic festivals. Marking the end of the academic year and honoring graduating university students, the event blends age-old traditions with modern celebrations, drawing thousands of participants from across the country and abroad. This year’s festivities kick off at midnight on Sunday with the Monumental Serenata, a moving academic fado concert on Avenida dos Aliados, followed by the Blessing of the Folders Mass, a special ceremony led by Porto’s bishop to honor graduating students.

The week-long celebration culminates at the Queimódromo, near the city park, where nightly concerts and student parties take place. Notably, 30% of this year’s festival budget has been allocated to security measures, including medical teams and increased police presence, reflecting the scale of an event that attracts over 400,000 people. Public transportation will run extended hours, and free shuttle buses will be available, ensuring safe and easy access for everyone wishing to join what locals proudly call the country’s biggest academic party. The highlight for many is Tuesday’s Academic Parade, where students march through the city in traditional capes and colored ribbons representing their faculties.

Queima das Fitas has deep historical roots, dating back to the 1920s as a rite of passage for Porto’s university students. The name, which means “Burning of the Ribbons,” refers to the symbolic burning of colored ribbons that represent each faculty, marking the transition from student life to professional adulthood. Although the tradition was interrupted during Portugal’s dictatorship, it was revived and has since become a cornerstone of Porto’s cultural identity.

For international visitors, Queima das Fitas offers a unique glimpse into Portuguese student life, featuring academic fado music (distinct from Lisbon’s fado), local food and beer festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere that takes over the city. Rain or shine, the students’ determination embodies the resilient spirit of Porto’s academic community, making this festival a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the city’s youthful energy and traditions.