Queima das Fitas, also known as Burning of the Ribbons, is an annual tradition in Portugal that celebrates the end of the academic year for university students. This week-long festival takes place in the first or second week of May, with the main celebrations usually occurring from May 3rd to May 10th. This colorful and lively festival is a must-see experience for anyone visiting Portugal, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
The Origins
The Burning of the Ribbons festival originated in Coimbra, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Portugal. In the 19th century, students would wear ribbons around their necks to represent their course of study. At the end of the academic year, these ribbons would be burned in a bonfire as a symbol of the students’ academic achievements and their future professional lives.
The Celebrations
Today, Queima das Fitas is celebrated in major university cities across Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Faro. The main events take place in Coimbra, where students organize a series of concerts, parades, and performances throughout the week. These events are open to everyone and attract thousands of visitors from all over the country.
The festivities kick off with the Cortejo (parade) on the first day, with students dressed in their traditional academic attire (capa e batina). The parade features floats, music, and lively performances that showcase the culture and traditions of Coimbra. At night, students gather at the Praça da Canção for a free concert featuring popular Portuguese artists.
Throughout the week, each faculty of the university also organizes their own events, such as lectures, concerts, and sports competitions. The final day of the festival, May 10th, is known as the Day of the Burning of the Ribbons. This day begins with the Serenata Monstra, a concert featuring the university’s famous Fado singers. As night falls, a giant bonfire is lit in the Largo da Portagem, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
The Tradition Continues
Queima das Fitas has become more than just a student tradition in Portugal; it has evolved into a symbol of unity and pride for the entire country. In recent years, the festival has also become more inclusive, with events organized for people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. This celebration of academic achievement, culture, and diversity is what makes Queima das Fitas such a special and unforgettable experience.
The main celebrations of Queima das Fitas usually occur from May 3rd to May 10th each year. This festival celebrates the end of the academic year for university students in Portugal. Coimbra, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Portugal, is where the Burning of the Ribbons tradition originated. Queima das Fitas is now celebrated in major university cities across Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Faro. The week-long festival features concerts, parades, and performances that showcase Portuguese culture and traditions. The final day of the festival, May 10th, is known as the Day of the Burning of the Ribbons. The Serenata Monstra, a concert featuring the university’s famous Fado singers, is a highlight of the festival. Queima das Fitas has become a symbol of unity and pride for the entire country of Portugal. In recent years, the festival has become more inclusive, with events organized for people with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. 
