Queima das Fitas is an old tradition and one of the most anticipated events among university students in major cities across Portugal.

As the school year ends, final-year students burn the ribbons they have been carrying in their briefcase for the duration of their studies. These ribbons usually bear messages from loved ones and mark the transition from student life to the professional world. But of course, it’s not just graduating seniors who celebrate – all university students come and join the party.

Come along on a Porto Food Tour, and we’ll give you an insider’s view of the vibrant Queima das Fitas celebrations!

Queima das Fitas in Porto

Taking place during the first week of May, Queima das Fitas transforms the city with parades, concerts, and unforgettable moments. The event officially began in 1944, replacing a previous tradition called Festa das Pastas. And has only been interrupted between 1971 and 1978. Over the years, it has grown into an enormous festival, attracting thousands of participants and spectators.

But what is Queima das Fitas and what to expect?

For most college students, it is the most anticipated moment of academic life. Whether you are a freshman, a senior, or anywhere in between. This is the moment when you:

• Are officially welcomed into the academic community;
• Bid farewell to all the good things student life has to offer.

For Federação Académica do Porto (FAP), the college student federation responsible for organizing the event, Queima das Fitas is more than just a party. The celebration features activities that unite all the colleges of the University of Porto while also raising funds for FAP’s activities throughout the year.

Commonly associated with Praxe Académica, Queima das Fitas is no longer exclusive to students, allowing family, friends, and the general public to attend certain events. Don’t be surprised when many people wear black suits during this week. They call this Traje Académico, a traditional outfit linked to Praxe, which has even inspired some myths.

Burning Ribbons in Porto

The festivities kick off on Sunday evening at 00:01 with the Serenata. This is a Fado concert performed by students for an estimated 55,000 colleagues (and all the people who can fit into Avenida dos Aliados, in front of the Town Hall). This farewell concert is a very special one with lyrics that symbolize the transition between student life and adulthood.

But as soon as the last note fades, the party begins, and a wave of students in the traditional Traje Académico (black suits and capes) flood the city, making their way to Queimódromo (“burning place”). This is the main venue for the nightly concerts and celebrations.

For most people, Queima is like a music festival where you can have a few drinks, meet people from other colleges, drink again, break up with your significant other, have a lot of fun… and drink some more.

Queimódromo

At Queimódromo, students gather at barraquinhas (bars) built and run by different university courses. Students build and decorate these bars—around 120 in total—and often give them quirky names with double meanings. Each bar must also offer a unique shot drink with a special name or twist.

People often compare the event to a music festival, as big-name artists perform each night, attracting massive crowds. Even if the event is not your type, you should try attending since it’s one of the most traditional celebrations this week.

Students can get their tickets for Noites da Queima in advance (cheaper) or at the entrance along with the general public, facing huge queues, at a slightly higher price. To know which concerts to attend, there’s the official lineup, called Cartaz da Queima.

The Cortejo Académico – A Parade Like No Other

Monday is relatively uneventful, except for heading back to Queimódromo to relax and prepare for the highlight of Queima. This takes place on Tuesday: at the Cortejo Académico.

This grand student parade gathers around 90,000 students from nearly 30 colleges of the University of Porto, parading through Porto’s streets in a spectacular display of school pride. Each college in Porto has its own associated color:

• Arts College – Dark blue
• Architecture College – White
• Medical College – Yellow
• Science College – Light blue

The Cortejo Académico follows some basic traditions

Final-year students, known as Finalistas, lead the parade wearing top hats and carrying canes. While Caloiros (freshmen) sing, dance, and perform elaborate choreographies behind the massive, creatively decorated floats.

Quite a spectacular stroll of thousands of students through the streets of downtown Porto. The students are grouped by their courses (which, as we mentioned before, have distinct colors based on the faculty and university) and often have decorative gigantic vehicles like the ones one sees in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival.

All the bars and restaurants in the area will be well-stocked with beer to quench the thirst of the massive crowd. This is probably the only time when parents are actually proud to see their kids drunk!

The parade ends in front of City Hall, where the Dux Veteranorum (the leader of Porto’s Academy), alongside Porto’s Mayor and other notable figures, receives salutations from all the colleges.

Porto’s Queima das Fitas – more than just a party

Although many associate Queima das Fitas with non-stop drinking and partying, it also highlights important academic and cultural traditions. On Monday, students and their families gather at Avenida dos Aliados for the Missa da Benção das Pastas. During this traditional blessing ceremony, officials bless a symbolic leather folder (Pasta) containing ribbons (Fitas). These ribbons give the party its name, Queima das Fitas (meaning “burning of the ribbons”).

Another cherished part of Queima is the FITA – Iberian Festival of Tunas. No, it’s not about large fish in cans! Tunas are musical groups made up of students playing traditional Portuguese instruments, bringing energy and fun to the event. Each faculty has at least one Tuna, making this a highly anticipated musical showdown. Don’t know what it is? Check this out:

A Week to Remember

To close the week, on Sunday, the traditional Garraiada takes place—a kind of bullfight featuring cows and a big bull. Colleges form teams to face the animals, and there is a winner each year. However, in 2016, the Garraiada was discontinued after an online petition gathered more than 5,000 signatures.

And after all this, everyone will have a massive hangover! And will also need to study hard for the second round of exams that marks the end of the academic year. Academic activities will then pause until students return in September for Recepção ao Caloiro (the welcoming of freshmen).

As Queima das Fitas comes to an end with its exciting shows and friendly gatherings, everyone, from students to onlookers, is reminded of the lively university culture that makes Porto special. To learn more about Queima das Fitas, join one of our Porto Food Tours, and we’ll fill you in!

Queima das Fitas in Porto

Queima das Fitas is the highlight of university life in Porto. From singing at Serenata to parading in Cortejo, dancing at Queimódromo, and laughing with friends at barraquinhas, it’s an unforgettable experience for students and visitors alike. It all ends on Sunday, with students nursing their hangovers and preparing for the final round of exams before the academic year closes.

Whether you’re a student or just visiting Porto, witnessing this tradition is a unique way to experience the city’s lively academic culture. As always, we are here to help you plan your stay!

With love,
Your Foodie Friends in Porto