Burning of the RibbonsQueima das Fitas
Coimbra, Central Portugal, Portugal
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🎟 Ticketed (€15 - €50)
FestivalAtlas
Queima das Fitas is an annual academic festival in Coimbra marking the end of the academic year. It features a ceremonial burning of the ribbons (fita) of each faculty, symbolizing students’ liberation after graduation. The week-long celebration includes concerts, academic parades, a university fado serenade at the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), sport events, blessings of student briefcases, gala balls, and other traditional rituals drawing thousands of students and locals. Held in late May (usually first weekend of summer term), the city is filled with students in black capes and colored ribbons, turning Coimbra into a vibrant stage of song, humor, and pageantry 1 2.
Rooted in Coimbra’s university lore, the festival celebrates the end of the university cycle and students’ academic achievements. It unites students, alumni and townspeople in a week of music, parades and tradition, reinforcing Coimbra’s identity as a historic student city 1 2.
Venues and routes
Praça da Canção · Coimbra
The dates that shape the visit.
Opening day · Fri, May 22
Takes place at midnight of the first festival day on the steps of Coimbra's Old Cathedral. Students perform the traditional Coimbra song ([www.cm-coimbra.pt](https://www.cm-coimbra.pt/areas/viver/cultura/eventos-regulares/queima-das-fitas#:~:text=A%20Serenata%20Monumental%2C%20que%20se,soar%20a%20Can%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20de%20Coimbra)).
Arrive by 23:30 to secure a spot; the atmosphere is respectful and emotional.
Day 3 · Sun, May 24
Students march in capes and faculty colors from the Alta district (Teatro Académico) to the Praça do Comércio in the city center.
Line the route early for best views; very festive and colorful, very crowded along the streets.
A compact reference once the trip is real.
Practical notes refreshed Apr 9.
Tickets required · Typical price: €15 - €50
High crowds · Lively energy
Very crowded along parade routes and in main squares; peripheral streets are less busy.
Coimbra is generally safe. The large student audience and police patrols make disturbances rare; normal festival crowdwise precautions suffice.
Weather is mild to warm · Events proceed in light rain
Daily budget: €50-80 · Drinks: €1.50-3 (beer or soda)
Share meals, use public transport day passes
From center: Praça da Canção is about 15 min by local bus from Coimbra-B train station.