Fun

Burning of the Ribbons – The great party of Porto students
26 April, 2018 / , ,

From May 6 to 12 the Porto university students are celebrating and the city is invaded by a huge wave of color and joy. Concerts, a gigantic parade and other cultural activities involve more than 350,000 students.

The tradition stands for decades. For a week, Porto’s university students are partying, going out in the street with their academic apparel, black robes and their top hats, walking sticks and ribbons in the folders that bear the color of each course. The party begins with a monumental serenade, at midnight on Sunday, the 6th. On Tuesday, during the afternoon and night, the students walk the streets of the city in a procession that ends up involving their relatives, townspeople and tourists. The march begins next to the Rectory of the University of Porto and ends in the Aliados.

The Blessing of the folders Mass, which also takes place in the Aliados, is another high point of an intense program, which also includes concerts in the City Park.

Casino Espinho
18 April, 2018 / ,

Inaugurated in 1974, the casino of Espinho has always been a landmark for entertainment in the north of the country.

Located 15 minutes form the Centre of Porto, and with a privileged location on the coast, it is a reference to gaming and entertainment.

Not only is it for the local community but also for the many foreign tourists that visit us.

Up to date with recent trends and the latest technology, the casino of Espinho offers around 800 slot machines and a great variety of table games, bars, restaurants and on the weekend some of the best shows featuring national and international contemporary artists.

The Pharmacy Museum of Porto – The History of Humanity through Health
19 March, 2018 / ,

It is one of the lesser-known museums in Porto, but the stories it tells begin millions of years ago. Until March objects that have never been exposed will be shown.

Although situated off the usual tourist circuit, this museum exhibits and displays pieces that will arouse the interest of visitors of all ages. Until March 31, and to commemorate the 21 years of this museum, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Global Museum 20 + 1”, with objects that are now being shown for the first time to the public, as are the packaging of the first penicillin taken in  Portugal in 1945.

An iron mask, used in the seventeenth century to treat psychological or moral illnesses, or the backpack of medicines used by mountain climber João Garcia when he climbed the Everest are some of the articles you can see in this exhibition.

The Museum of Pharmacy shows objects used in ancient civilizations and different cultures, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Incas, the Aztecs, Islam, Africa, Tibet, China or Japan amongst others. A reconstitution of an old Portuguese pharmacy shows the patrimony of the Portuguese pharmacy.

Information:

Rua Engª Ferreira Dias, 728, Porto

Hours: Monday to Friday, from 10 to 18h00 and the last Saturday of each month from 14 to 18h00.

Tickets: Adult € 5.00; Student € 3.50; 65 years and over, € 3.50; 50% for holders of Porto Card

Espinho Surf Destination 2018 – Waves & Fun on Espinho beach
9 March, 2018 / ,

On the 10th to the 25th of March, Espinho welcomes the international competitions of the World Surf League, Surf and Longboard. An event with a vast entertainment program for all ages.

International surfing and longboarding competitions are the main focus on these days, but whoever is in Espinho will not just stay on the beach watching the performance of the best surfers. In addition to a surf film show, there will also be photography workshops, exhibitions, surf baptisms, adapted surf classes, fitness classes, workshops related to the manufacture and shape of surfboards, etc. The ESD KIDS Zone is a new area of ​​the event, aimed for the younger crowds.

The competitive component is very intense and occupies almost the entire month: on 10th and 11th March, the North Surf Circuit takes place; from March 16th to 18th the attenton will be on the World Longboard Championship – Longboard World Tour by World Surf League. Between the 21st and 25th March the Pro Junior European – WSL-World Surfing League will be taking place.

The Espinho Surf Destination 2018 is already in its fifth edition but, the big news this year, is the integration of the Longboard World Championship, male and female, which will bring the best athletes in the world to Espinho.

 

Espinho is a beach and surf city which has the best waves in the north and one of the best surf waves of international level. The heart of the city is next to the beach where the event takes place.

 

espinho surf  destination

 

A day in Porto with: Susana Ribeiro
6 February, 2018 / , ,

The author of the blog Viaje Comigo (www.viajecomigo.com), Susana Ribeiro has spent the last few years traveling around the world. But it’s to Porto, her home, where she always returns to and, as you will see from her suggestions, a city that never ceases to surprise her.  Get to know her suggestions for an unforgettable day in Porto.

Breakfast

Carvalhido gathers some of the best bakeries in the city of Porto. Nova Real is one of them and it’s the perfect place to kick start the day with some breakfast made of fresh bread and baked gods. It is difficult to offer any suggestions, whether savory or sweet, as everything available is delicious – it won’t be an easy choice!

 

Mid-morning coffee

I don’t drink coffee. When I travel, I jokingly get told that I must be the only Portuguese in the world that doesn’t drink coffee. However, for a mid-morning tea, I’d say Tavi, in Foz, with its ocean view. And get something sweet on the side to go with it.

 

 

Shopping

One might just say window shopping and Rua Miguel Bombarda, where you can find the Centro Comercial Miguel Bombarda, has several different stores and dozens of art galleries to visit. Nearby, you will also find Palácio de Cristal, a perfect place for a stroll, weather permitting.

 

Lunch

For lunch… a francesinha! That way, you have all day to burn those extra calories.

Rua Passos Manuel has already been named the Francesinhas Street, considering all of the places that serve them… and the delicacy has already spread to the Praça dos Poveiros. Since everyone has a different opinion as to which one is the best, I will leave it up to you… But, if you ask me, the ones from Lado B are very good.

 

Some shopping

At Rua de Guedes de Azevedo, 123, the Mercado Loft Store is a dream for those who like décor accessories, with some beautiful items and very original gifts.

 

Dinner

After shopping and a stroll along the main avenue in Foz, your appetite will flare up and you will be ready for dinner. But how to choose?

I suggest Wish (at the Largo Igreja da Foz) with traditional food and Sushi or BH Foz (Avenida do Brasil) – which serves a little of everything and with an ocean view.

 

Drinks

These days, the nights in downtown Porto are largely spent on the streets. However, when it’s cold, I go to Gin House bar: a great environment and peaceful during the week.

 

Dancing

Recently I discovered the bar Embaixada Lomográfica do Porto (close to praça Carlos Alberto) e Garden’s (in Travessa de Cedofeita). Both are great for talking and dancing.

 

Galeria da Biodiversidade – Centro Ciência Viva
6 February, 2018 / , , , ,

Entirely dedicated to biodiversity, the Galeria da Biodiversidade – Centro Ciência Viva is so much more than a museum. This modern space, which combines science and art, is made to create unforgettable memories.  It hosts the photographic exhibition Photo Ark up until the end of April

The center integrates the Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP) (Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto), which along with the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) represents one of the hubs connected to the University of Porto.

Located in the legendary Casa Andresen – which inspired the renowned Portuguese poet Sophia de Mello Breyner – the Galeria da Biodiversidade is also surrounded by the Botanical Garden, an equally mandatory stop for science lovers, It is a place where art meets biology and natural history, stimulating interactivity and sensorial experiences. The permanent exhibition integrates 49 very unique narrative modules and installations, organized by 15 main themes that approach several aspects within biological and cultural diversity. From mechanical models to multimedia platforms, there are several ways of bringing together the visitor and the stories told through science, literature and art.

 

 

Photographic Noah’s Ark

Until the 29th April, the Biodiversity Gallery hosts the National Geographic Photo Ark, based on a project from Joel Sartore.  This photographer set a goal 10 years ago: photograph all existing species held in captivity, to create one of the largest archives of biodiversity in the world. This “Photographic Noah’s Ark” is intended to create public awareness towards the conservation of vulnerable animals. The exhibition already pictures over 7000 species and you do not want to miss on seeing its greatest pictures here.

 

Information:

Galeria da Biodiversidade (Gallery of Biodiversity)

Rua do Campo Alegre, n.º 1191, Porto

Schedule: from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm

Regular Ticket: 5€

 

 

 

 

Essência do Vinho: a toast to Portuguese wine
6 February, 2018 / ,

From the 22nd to the 25th of February, the Palácio da Bolsa welcomes about 400 Portuguese wine producers that will introduce over 3000 wines from all around the country. The Essência do Vinho, now onto its 15th edition, is an unmissable event for wine lovers.

Portuguese wines are becoming more esteemed and internationally recognized. Many centuries ago the way to fame was paved by Port Wine however, from Minho to the Algarve through the Azores and Madeira, there are countless quality wines that are worth getting to know.

The broadcast of Portuguese wines is the main goal of an event that has already become a mandatory stop for the residents of Porto and all visitors to the city during those days.

The 15th edition of Essência do Vinho presents the “TOP 10 Portuguese Wines”, gathering a selection of the highest scored wines by a specialized magazine. A specialized jury of several nationalities will assess and then select the 10 best wines.

 

The event has 50 simultaneous activities, including gastronomy, with the presence of Michelin starred chefs and tapas harmonization. The last edition of the event welcomed over 20.000 visitors, where 30% were foreign.

 

Information:

Advance ticket sale at www.essenciadovinhoporto.com (daily entrance and a tasting glass: 20€). On the day sales will have a cost of 25€.

22nd February / 3pm – 8pm
23rd February and 24th February / 3pm – 9pm
25th February / 3pm – 8pm

 

Coliseu do Porto – A symbol of the city’s culture
5 December, 2017 / ,

More than a building that marks the landscape of downtown, the Coliseum of Porto (Coliseu do Porto) is an example of overcoming difficulties and the way the people of Porto defend their symbols.

The current building was inaugurated on December 19, 1941, reflecting on a project in which several architects participated and the Modernism that marked the end of the 30’s. However, in the place where the Coliseum is today , there was the Jardim Passos Manuel Hall, a place not only for cinema shows, but also for parties, a music hall and painting exhibitions that had been built in the beginning of the 20th century. The success of this concept led the owner to consider enlarging it. In 1938 the Coliseum began to be built, and was inaugurated with a Gala soiree. This inaugural concert was revived during the celebrations of the 50th anniversary.

From its inauguration, until the end of the 60’s, the theater received cinema, concerts, operas and circuses. Renowned names like Marcel Marceau and Rudolf Nureyev passed by during that period. In the 70’s, the Coliseum also welcomed the Cine-Studio Passos Manuel, a smaller room dedicated to the author’s cinema.

There were two of the most striking episodes in the life of the Coliseum in the mid-1990s: in 1995 rumors surfaced that it would be sold to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, which led hundreds of people to protest for several days in front of the building. Due to the pressure, the company owner finally agreed to sell the building to the Association of Friends of the Coliseum of Porto, which emerged from this wave of solidarity between artists, cultural agents and anonymous figures.

 

On September 28 of the following year, and a few hours after the Portugal Fashion shows finished, a tragic event in the Coliseum and the city came about: a fire destroyed the stage, damaging the room and the dressing rooms. Once again, institutions, companies and private individuals united in an exemplary effort, ensuring the reopening of the Coliseum in December of that year, fulfilling, as always, the tradition of receiving the Christmas Circus.

The Coliseum modernized in the late 90’s and today remains one of the main stages of the city.

A month to celebrate Christmas
4 December, 2017 / ,

Until January 7, Porto illuminates with the colors of Christmas. From a giant tree to ice rinks, there is fun for the whole family.

Christmas lights are already a long tradition in the city of Porto, but this year they go even further, taking the magic of the festive season to other streets. Nearly two million micro bulbs, neon and LED, in white, gold and blue will make the streets of Porto shine and work not only as a background for Christmas shopping in Baixa and Boavista, but also in places such as the Campanhã station, Bonfim , Marquês, Carvalhido and Foz.

The beginning of this Christmas period takes place on December 1st, at dusk, when the giant tree is placed in front of the Town Hall building, as well as the Christmas lights in all the streets. In the Aliados the moment will be marked with a concert and fireworks. But whoever misses this moment still will have much to see until the 7th of January.

During this period, two ice rinks will be operating: one in D. João I Square and another in Mouzinho de Albuquerque Square (Rotunda da Boavista). Here is also more entertainment for all ages.

And on December 31, as usual, the New Year’s Eve party is centered around the Aliados but spreads all over the city.

Walking – Chapel of Fradelos
7 November, 2017 / , , , ,

 

“O Porto a penantes” – Penantes is a typical Porto expression that means “walking” – it is a personal project of Joaquim Lino, who likes to walk and photograph some of the corners of the city. He will be sharing with Hey Porto! readers every month some of these tours, leaving suggestions so that those who visit the city can discover secrets that often, not even the people of Porto know.

Recently, in one of these walks through the city, he entered the Chapel of Fradelos, a small late-19th-century church, located at the intersection of Guedes de Azevedo and Sá da Bandeira streets, which is generally off the main tourist routes but deserves to be known. On the main façade and in the interior there are tiles by Jorge Colaço, the same author of the tiles that decorate the Station of St. Benedict and the Church of St. Ildefonso. The stucco ceiling decorated by gold center medallions stands out.

PortoaPenantes