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Porto, a city rich in culture and tradition, is gearing up for an exciting year filled with a diverse range of events and festivals in 2025. Whether you're a film enthusiast, a music lover, or someone who enjoys experiencing local traditions, Porto offers something for everyone. From the grand celebration of São João to the internationally acclaimed Fantasporto Film Festival, the city comes alive with energy, color, and festivities throughout the year. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the best events and festivals you won’t want to miss in Porto in 2025.
January
Dia de Reis: Dia de Reis marks the end of the Christmas season, celebrated with the traditional Bolo Rei, or King Cake. Hidden within the cake are various trinkets, including a broad bean. The lucky person who finds the bean is crowned king and is tasked with providing the cake for the next year.
February
Fantasporto (Porto International Film Festival): Known as 'Cinema Fantástico no Porto,' this festival occurs from late February into March. It celebrates international films in the experimental, fantasy, and horror genres, featuring submissions from filmmakers competing for various awards. Since its inception in 1981, Fantasporto has showcased works from celebrated directors like the Coen Brothers, David Cronenberg, David Lynch, Luc Besson, and Pedro Almodóvar. (dates FEB 28-MARCH 9)
Essência do Vinho – Porto: Taking place at the Palácio da Bolsa, this prestigious event gathers both Portuguese and international wine producers. A distinguished jury selects the top ten Portuguese wines during this celebration of viniculture.
March/April
Porto Interceltic Festival: Kicking off towards the end of March, this festival features performers from all over Europe, celebrating Celtic music over a ten-day period across various locations in the city.
Easter: Easter in Porto, which falls between March and April, transforms the city with vibrant colors and captivating religious traditions. In addition to the spiritual observances, numerous concerts, plays, dance performances, and Easter-themed culinary delights, such as sponge cake, enrich the festivities.
May
Queima das Fitas do Porto (Burning of the Ribbons): This lively celebration, centered around university students, fills the streets of Porto with concerts, serenades, and parades for an entire week in May. It’s regarded as the second most significant festival in the city, right after the famous St. John’s festival.
International Iberian Language Theatre Festival (FITEI): Since 1978, FITEI has been dedicated to promoting theatre and the performing arts, occurring in late May and early June. The festival encourages artistic creativity and seeks to attract new audiences while showcasing innovative projects.
Festival of Our Lord of Matosinhos: A highlight of religious pilgrimages in the region, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Porto's rich religious traditions. Over three weeks, the city hosts a range of cultural, recreational, and sporting events, illuminated by thousands of lights decorating the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos church.
June
Serralves em Festa (Serralves Festival): Organized by the Serralves Foundation, this festival features 40 hours of uninterrupted music, dance, theater, and exhibitions in its scenic venue. Attracting performers from Portugal and beyond, it is the largest contemporary arts festival in the country.
🎶 Get Ready for the Best Festival of the Year! 🎶The highly anticipated 14th edition of Primavera Sound Porto is set to take place in Portugal from June 12 to 14, 2025! The excitement kicks off now, as tickets are already available for purchase.
The journey to an unforgettable Primavera Sound Porto experience begins here, with the lineup announcement coming in the months ahead. Get ready for a music event that raises the bar on a global scale!
Highlights:
🌟 A Stellar Lineup: Expect an artistic lineup showcasing the distinctive Primavera Sound flair, with details to be revealed soon.🎉 A Celebration of Diversity: Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of liberation and freedom, where you can enjoy the festival in perfect harmony.🎧 Discover and Enjoy: Relish your favorite artists while also uncovering new favorites along the way!
Porto Book Fair: In June, the Porto Book Fair brings together literature enthusiasts, authors, editors, and publishers for a vibrant celebration of books. Originally held at the Rosa Mota Pavilion, the fair has recently moved to a more central location downtown.
Festa de São João (St. John Festival: A highlight of Porto's cultural calendar, the St. John Festival is a night filled with joyous celebrations, street barbecues, and lively music. Participants roam the streets with a beer in one hand and a plastic hammer in the other, playfully whacking each other as part of the tradition. This festive night culminates in a spectacular fireworks display on June 23rd.
Regata dos Rabelos (Rabelo Boat Races): Every late June, the historic Rabelo boats return to the Douro River for competitive races, sponsored by various Port wine producers. The event coincides with the St. John Festival, adding to the excitement of the festivities.
Rhythms of the World Festival (Festival Ritmos do Mundo): Celebrating global music, this festival held in June in Gaia showcases Portuguese and Brazilian culture through music, workshops, exhibitions, and culinary delights, along with circus performances.
NOS Primavera Sound: Taking place in June at Porto's Parque da Cidade, this music festival features an array of international artists, including notable names like Caetano Veloso and The National, over three days of exhilarating performances.
Porto Cartoon World Festival: Since 1999, this international cartoon competition, hosted by the National Press Museum, attracts participants from around the globe. Each year, a different theme inspires cartoonists to submit their humorous works, with top selections being published.
São Pedro da Afurada: Celebrated on June 29th, this festival honors Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. The festivities in Afurada, Vila Nova de Gaia, include fireworks, street parades, and lively entertainment.
Grande Prémio do Porto: This Formula One street race offers thrilling views of vintage sports cars navigating the historic Boavista circuit near Castelo do Queijo. The event, which has occurred semi-annually since 1960, attracts motorsport enthusiasts from all over.
July
Festival MEO Marés : annual music festival, held in Vila Nova de Gaia since 1999, showcases a variety of musical acts. Initially known as Festival Marés Vivas, it was renamed in 2013 to honor its sponsor, MEO, the Portuguese telecommunications provider.
July 5–27: AgitÁgueda,Which includes street music and other performances)
International Folklore Festival of Porto: In July, this festival unites musicians from Portugal and around the world, offering an engaging program that includes music, discussions, and international games.
Porto Wine Fest: Celebrated as the largest Port wine festival along the Gaia riverbank, this event allows visitors to engage with major Port wine brands and partake in tastings and gastronomic activities.
August
Ritual Rock Nights (Noites Ritual Rock): This series of concerts in August features rising local rock bands and is hosted in the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal. In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy photography exhibitions and workshops, making it a vibrant end to the rock festival season.
September
Festival Internacional De Marionetas Do Porto: Typically held in September, this International Puppet Festival showcases a range of puppet performances that are sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Vinho Verde Wine Fest: Located at Porto’s Customs House, this festival includes wine tastings, culinary exhibitions, and various activities centered around wine tourism and local gastronomy.:
Red Bull Air Races: In September, daring pilots demonstrate their aerial skills in thrilling races along the Douro River, providing exhilarating views for spectators.
Porto Blue Jazz: September kicks off with the Porto Blue Jazz festival, featuring renowned jazz musicians performing at the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
October
Porto Photo Festival (October 11-14): This festival celebrates photography through exhibitions and showcases from both emerging and established photographers.
Francesinha Festival (Festival da Francesinha): A celebration of Porto’s iconic culinary dish, the Francesinha Festival brings together various local restaurants to showcase their unique takes on this beloved sandwich.
November
Maratona do Porto (Porto Marathon): The Porto Marathon, held in November, starts and finishes at the Parque da Cidade do Porto, attracting runners from around the globe to participate in this renowned sporting event.
December
Feira do Artesanato do Porto: Mid-December brings a winter crafts fair featuring artisans from across Portugal and beyond, showcasing a variety of handmade works.
Christmas in Porto: Visiting Porto during the Christmas season is a treat, as the city transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with festive lights and vibrant street animations. Traditional Christmas markets add to the holiday spirit, with landmarks like Torre dos Clérigos and Porto’s City Council beautifully decorated.
Saint Silvester Race (Corrida de São Silvestre): This popular race occurs at the end of December, attracting thousands of participants to race through the Avenida dos Aliados, adjacent to Porto’s city council.
New Year’s Eve: Spending New Year’s Eve in Porto promises a unique experience, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the city, celebrated alongside a lively crowd.
Conclusion:
Porto's calendar of events in 2025 is a vibrant celebration of its culture, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you're indulging in the unique flavors of local wines, dancing to world-class music, or immersing yourself in centuries-old traditions, there's no shortage of experiences to enjoy. As you plan your visit to Porto, make sure to mark these incredible festivals on your itinerary to truly capture the essence of this remarkable city. Whether it's your first time or you're a returning visitor, Porto's 2025 festivities promise memories that will last a lifetime.
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