International Museum Day 2025: Porto’s Cultural Celebration
DATE
May 18, 2025
LOCATION
Various locations
Porto
On May 18, 2025, Porto will join the global celebration of International Museum Day, organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). This year’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” invites reflection on the role of museums as agents of change in a world marked by constant transformation. ( aml+2Museu do Porto+2pporto.pt+2 )
In Porto, 31 museums and cultural spaces will open their doors with a diverse program of free activities, including guided tours, workshops, performances, games, concerts, and discussions. The initiative aims to engage the public in exploring how museums can safeguard intangible heritage, connect with new generations, and incorporate emerging technologies to better serve their communities.
Notable highlights include:
Serralves Museum: From 10:00 to 20:00, visitors can participate in artistic workshops, guided tours led by youth from the ADILO initiative, and the “Leitura Furiosa” reading event at 17:00. A special evening tour of the sculpture park is scheduled from 20:00 to 21:30.
Clérigos Tower and Museum: Offering guided tours at 10:00 and 16:00 for a symbolic fee of €1, supporting the restoration of a painting in the collection. Advance registration is required. Clérigos Tower
Participants are encouraged to explore the “Museuspaper,” a guide to the city’s participating institutions, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Porto. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, International Museum Day offers a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
For more information and a complete list of participating museums and activities, visit Agenda Porto.
Note: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
São João Festival in Porto: Portugal’s most Vibrant Celebration
DATE
Jun 23-24, 2025
LOCATION
Various locations
Porto
The São João Festival, held annually in Porto on the night of June 23rd to 24th, is one of Portugal’s most iconic and lively cultural events. Rooted in both religious and pagan traditions, it brings together locals and visitors in a unique celebration filled with music, food, and community spirit.
Unique Traditions
Plastic Hammers and Leeks: A defining feature of São João is the playful act of tapping strangers on the head with plastic hammers or offering leeks, symbols believed to bring good fortune and fertility.
Hot Air Balloons: The night sky fills with small, colourful hot air balloons, a tradition dating back centuries, celebrating the summer solstice.
Bonfires and Leaps: Jumping over bonfires is a popular custom that symbolizes purification and renewal.
Traditional Foods
Food is central to the São João experience, with many street vendors and restaurants offering festive delicacies, including:
Grilled Sardines: Served with roasted peppers, potatoes, and traditional cornbread (broa de milho).
Caldo Verde: A traditional green soup made from potatoes, kale, and slices of chouriço sausage.
Bifanas and Smoked Sausages: Marinated pork sandwiches and grilled sausages are popular snacks throughout the night.
Midnight Fireworks
At midnight, the highlight of the night takes place — a spectacular fireworks display over the Douro River. This show draws thousands to the riverbanks, creating an unforgettable visual experience.
Tips for Enjoying São João
Arrive Early: The city gets crowded quickly. Arriving early helps secure a good spot to watch the fireworks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking and dancing through the streets for hours.
Plan Your Transport: Due to heavy traffic and limited parking, public transport or private transport services are highly recommended.
EXPERIENCE TRINDADE PORTO
DATE
Nov 24, 2023 – May 01, 2024
LOCATION
Various locations
Porto
Getting to know Porto from the Trindade Church – the largest in the city – is what Experience Trindade Porto proposes.
Experience Trindade Porto makes use of the architectural complex of the Order of the Trinity, the church (classified as a monument of public interest), the adjacent buildings and the collection to show the identity of Porto and its relationship with the universal context.
Established in Porto in 1755, the Third Order of the Trinity – heir to a long history dating back to the 11th century, the time of the Crusades and the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal – took part in the transformation of the medieval city into a modern city, defining and consolidating a new centrality in Porto.
Experience Trindade – Porto has three levels of visit:
The “Church” circuit includes a chronology of museographic features that contextualizes the Order of the Trinity in a timeline from the 11th century to the present day. This immersion in universal and local history precedes the visit to Porto’s largest church.
The “Order” circuit includes a visit to Porto’s largest church, the rooms of the adjoining 18th century building, the vault, the staircases and noble hall, the high choir and the church gallery. These spaces have been adapted to exhibit the Order’s collection according to museological criteria.
The “Full Experience” tour includes a visit to the Church, all the spaces in the adjoining 18th century building and a visit to the bell tower and the Church’s terraces. The tour of the bell tower reveals more about the narrative of the captives and the architectural details behind the scenes of the church. It allows you to see the city from a previously unknown angle.
Market in Batalha
DATE
24 – 25 Nov 2023
TIME
10:00 – 19:00
LOCATION
Batalha Square
Crafts/Gastronomy/Fashion/Toys/Smoking/Jewelry/Ceramics
Matosinhos Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas Market takes place from November 24th to December 23rd at Basílio Teles Park in Matosinhos.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 7.30pm
Fridays, Saturdays and national holiday: 12pm to 11pm
During the month of December, the Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira Parish Council is once again promoting the “Christmas Dream” event, an event dedicated to the Christmas season, which brings together entertainment and a Christmas Market (gastronomy and handicrafts).
In the cozy atmosphere of this Christmas Market, more than 80 talented artisans present a variety of products and handicrafts, ranging from cheeses, sausages, chocolates, design products, books, fashion and jewellery. Discover the authenticity of regional products, making this event an unmissable experience for food lovers and unique gift enthusiasts. Visit Matosinhos and let yourself be enchanted by what the Christmas Market has to offer, available from November 24 to December 23.
Fonte de informação: Agenda Cultural do Porto.
Site: Agenda Cultural do Porto – O que fazer no Porto Hoje! (agendaculturalporto.org)
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