Getaway to Porto: Try These Festivals
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Porto plays host to several fabulous festivals and events throughout the year. Almost every month has something spectacular going on that you do not want to miss. But most events are held during the peak tourist season in June and July.
No matter when you decide to visit Porto, though, there will probably be a fantastic festival or event that has the city buzzing with excitement. When packing your bags be sure to pack your party clothes!
Check out the festive events we’ve listed below and pick the ones that you want to experience. While you are living it up in Porto, leave your backpacks and bags in a luggage storage locker for safekeeping.
Dia de Reis
Held on January 6th to celebrate Dia de Reis or King’s Day, is the official end to the Christmas season. The tradition of Dia de Reis is to start celebrating on January 5th and go into January 6th.
One of the best traditions is the Bolo Rei or the King Cake where little knickknacks are hidden as well as one broad bean. The person who finds the bean in their slice of cake is crowned the king and will have to provide the King Cake the next year.
Spend Christmas with your loved ones and then head to Porto after the new year for Dia de Reis and celebrate the close of the Christmas season.
Fantasporto
Film buffs will flock to Porto for the Porto International Film Festival or the Cinema Fantástico no Porto which starts in late February and goes through the first week of March.
The genres of fantasy, horror, and experimental are highlighted where amateur filmmakers can submit their projects for viewing. The participants also are competing against each other for prizes and bragging rights.
The festival began in 1981 and has seen works from several renowned directors in horror and fantasy such as David Lynch, the Cohen Brothers, Pedro Almodóvar, and Luc Besson.
Be sure to book your accommodations early as hotels fill up quickly for the Porto International Film Festival.
Essência do Vinho
Also known as the Essence of Wine, this is the place to be for wine lovers. Held at the end of February into March, it takes place in the Palácio da Bolsa. Take the opportunity to learn all about wine, especially Port wine from over 350 producers.
With over 3,000 wines displayed and available for tasting, discover the fine art of proper wine tasting. Many of the wines featured are Portuguese but there is a smattering of international wines.
The top ten Portuguese wines are announced at the Essência do Vinho by a panel of international judges.
Easter
While not an official festival, Easter in Porto is an experience, unlike any other and one you should not miss. Color explodes throughout the city as people begin celebrating Easter.
Religion traditions tumble from churches into the streets for sometimes cheerful and sometimes somber festivities. Plays, feasts, concerts, dances, and sermons can be heard, seen, and tasted throughout the entire city.
Queima das Fitas do Porto
The Burning of the Ribbons is when Porto plays host to academic parades and concerts. The festival goes on for a week in May and includes the entire city, not just college students.
While you might not be a college student yourself, you will still enjoy the concerts and spending time visiting with the locals. Make your reservations early to ensure you have a place to stay. Then kick back and enjoy the Queima das Fitas do Porto!
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Festival Internacional de Teatro de Expressão Ibérica
The International Iberian Language Theater Festival or FITEI is an annual festival that is held at the end of May and goes into the beginning of June. It has been held in Porto since 1978 and is an amazing festival for those who love the arts.
The entire city gets involved in FITEI and promotes the arts with street performances held in the city squares as well as in many of the theaters throughout the city. Plan on staying for the entire festival or catch a weekend of fun while in Porto.
Serralves em Festa
Visit Porto in June and take in the Serralves Festival with its 40 hours of non-stop music, dance, shows, and exhibitions held in the Parque de Serralves. Performers from around the world come to this festival and you should, too!
Thousands of people flock to Porto for this festival as it is one of the biggest contemporary arts festivals in the country and all of Europe. Accommodations fill up fast, so book your hotel early.
Festival Internacional de Folclore Cidade do Porto
Follow the festival’s Facebook page for up to the minute information on dates and plan on visiting Porto in July for the City of Porto’s International Folklore Festival. Musicians from around Portugal and even some international acts come together to perform.
Music is not the only thing on the agenda. You can also sign up for discussion groups surrounding music and its influence on culture. Try your hand at different international games that go on throughout the entire event.
Noites Ritual Rock
The Ritual Rock Nights is a series of rock concerts held in the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal. Come listen to local rock bands that are well on their way to becoming famous in Portugal.
Held in August, the Ritual Rock Nights is a great way to beat the heat and unwind while listening to fantastic bands. Workshops and photography exhibits are also on display. This festival is the unofficial end of the season in Porto.
Festival Internacional de Marionetas do Porto
You do not want to miss the International Puppet Festival held in September! Be captivated by the unbelievable variety of puppets on display. Sit back and enjoy different performances on marionette stages throughout the festival.
This is a popular event and the entire city seems to turn out for the festivities. Bring your sense of imagination and your child-like enthusiasm to this adorable celebration.
Maratona do Porto
Start training now for the Porto Marathon, held in November. This marathon is a very well-known event in Portugal and has gained international recognition, bringing in athletes from around the world.
The marathon starts and finishes in the Parque da Cidade do Porto, so even if you are not participating in the marathon, you can still take part in the festivities.
Feira do Artesanato do Porto
The Handicraft Market of Porto is a winter craft fair that is filled with handmade items from artisans throughout Portugal. You may even find some international items. The market opens in mid-December and has over a hundred different artisans.
Get most of your Christmas shopping done when you visit the Feira do Artesanato do Porto in December.
Resources:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/the-north/porto/narratives/planning/month-by-month
https://www.calendarr.com/portugal/dia-de-reis/
https://www.filmfestivals.com/blog/fantasporto/fantasporto_2021_calling
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/easter-in-portugal
https://www.visitar-porto.com/en/what-to-see/gardens-parks/fundacao-and-parque-de-serralves.html
https://www.maratonadoporto.com/
https://www.cm-porto.pt/feiras-e-mercados/mercado-de-artesanato-do-porto_36