Reason to go to Portugal

Not that anyone ever needed a reason to get to Portugal, but – here are just a sampling of the hundreds of diverse, cool, and real events held in Portugal each summer. From grilled sardines, to beer and rock, to art – it is a sample of the many fun, authentic and exciting choices! Oh, and a happy 25th of April to you, too. This one marks 35 years of liberty.

PORTO AND NORTH OF PORTUGAL REGION

Porto's night of São João <http://www.visitportoenorte.com/?m_flash=1>  - On June 24, 2009 the São João festival is one of Europe's liveliest street parties. While there is a religious element to the tradtition, it is a huge street party that attracts people from all over to Porto's historic center on the Douro river banks - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The free festival features music on the main square, the smell of grilled sardines from grills on the street, lit up balloons, boats in the river, and a grand firework display. Afterwards revelers take to the narrow streets of the old city armed with plastic hammers and wild garlic stalks, banging each other on the head - a tradition whose origins are unknown but is continued every year The center of the action then shifts to the beaches on the Douro estuary for a beach party that usually lasts well into the early hours.

Festival Vilar de Mouros <http://vilardemouros.weblog.com.pt/>  - This international summer festival in July features up and coming bands from around the world, a dance tent, and the opportunity to camp under the stars after the show. Vilar de Mouras is located on the Rio Coura, which is southeast from Caminha on the River Minho and the northern border of Spain. http://www.vilardemouros.com/

Cerveira International Arts Biennial <http://www.bienaldecerveira.org/>  - In odd numbered years, the Cerveira International Arts Biennial transforms the tranquil town of Vila Nova da Cerveira in the Minho region into an important center for contemporary art.  From Friday, July 17, 2009 through Saturday, September 26, 2009, the town serves as the stage for encounters and exchanges of experiences between artists, via ateliers dedicated to a wide array of areas including the digital arts, engraving, ceramics, painting and sculpture.  The biennial's program also includes thematic exhibitions in the areas of design and dedicated to artists who have played a key role in the history of contemporary art.  

Feasts of Nossa Senhora da Agonia <http://www.vianafestas.com/festas-agonia/>  - In Viana do Castelo, take part in the Feasts of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, and don't miss all the processions that enliven this three-day festival in August. The festival is held Wednesday, August 19, through Sunday, August 23, 2009. The town is filled with thousands of people who come to witness Viana do Castelo honoring the Virgin of Agony, invoked by the fishermen to make the sea more favorable to them. http://www.rtam.pt <http://www.rtam.pt/>

CENTRO DE PORTUGAL REGION

Queima das Fitas <http://www.turismo-centro.pt/>   - The Burning of the Ribbons - This ancient academic festival is held to celebrate graduation at the nation's oldest university (founded in 1288). It takes place at the end of the second semester, Friday, May 1, through Friday, May 8, 2009. Today, it is one of the biggest student parties in Europe. The Queima lasts for 8 days, one for each University of Coimbra's colleges. There are open-air concerts, parades, and many cultural events, for the public to enjoy.  All this culminates with a massive burning of the ribbons, symbolizing the end of the student's stay at the old university. The finale is held in a square in front of the Romanesque city cathedral, with the hundreds of student signing and celebrating their entrance into the professional world. http://www.queimadasfitas.org <http://www.queimadasfitas.org/>

Santa Isabel Festival <http://www.turismo-centro.pt/evento/ver.php?id=359>  - In even numbered years, in July, Coimbra celebrates the festivities of its patron saint – the Holy Queen Isabel. The month long festivities include various performances, exhibitions, culinary and handicrafts fairs, sporting competitions and entertainment.  A special feature is the solemn procession dedicated to the Holy Queen, in which the wooden framework carrying her effigy, weighing around 1 ton, is transported by twenty four men through the main streets of the city between the Graça Church and the Convent of Santa Clara–a-Nova. The procession follows a trajectory that Queen Isabel de Aragão walked down many times when she lived in Coimbra in the 14th century. The next festival will occur in 2010. http://www.turismo-centro.pt/ <http://www.turismo-centro.pt/>

Feira de São Mateus <http://www.expovis.pt/>  - This Viseu fair dates back to mediaeval times and has grown over the years to include lots of music, folklore, handicraft, culinary events and plenty of entertainment. The fair is held Friday, August 14, 2009 through Monday, September 21, 2009 at Campo da Feira de São Mateus, in the center of Viseu. Not to be missed at the fair are all the colors and sounds of the concerts and shows that can be seen on the specially built stage. Show jumping will be at the Horse-Riding Centre.  Bicycle tours, fishing competitions, parachuting and aerobatics displays take place at the Aeródromo Gonçalves Lobato. http://www.visitcentro.com <http://www.visitcentro.com/>  

LISBON REGION

Lisbon City Festival <http://www.egeac.pt/DesktopDefault.aspx>  - In June Lisbon celebrates its saints. Folk parades and festivities liven the city's nights as they invade the streets of its historic center and traditional neighborhoods such as Castelo, Mouraria, Graça, Alfama, Ajuda and Bairro Alto Decorated with garlands and festoons, the streets are filled with
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