Porto

• New Year · Jan 1 – Jan 31 · holiday

  Fireworks over the Douro from the Ponte D. Luís - crowded, joyous, but the smaller cousin to São João.

• Fantasporto · Feb 19 – Mar 4 · festival

  International fantasy and horror film festival at the Rivoli - the city's longest-running cinema event.

• Semana Santa (Holy Week) · Mar 26 – Mar 8 · religious

  Quieter than Andalucía but evocative - processions through the Sé and Ribeira districts.

• Easter · Mar 26 – Mar 8 · religious

  Holy Week into Easter - processions and quiet reflection give way to a celebratory weekend.

• Freedom Day · Apr 23-29 · holiday

  A nationwide public holiday - many businesses close and the city takes on a festive note.

• Labour Day · Apr 30-May 6 · holiday

  A nationwide public holiday - many businesses close and the city takes on a festive note.

• Queima das Fitas · May 7-13 · festival

  University students' end-of-year parade - academic gowns, top hats, a Tuna concert in the Praça da República.

• Corpus Christi · May 28-Jun 3 · holiday

  A nationwide public holiday - many businesses close and the city takes on a festive note.

• NOS Primavera Sound · Jun 4-10 · festival

  Three days of international acts at Parque da Cidade - pop, indie and electronica on the Atlantic edge.

• National Day · Jun 4-10 · holiday

  A nationwide public holiday - many businesses close and the city takes on a festive note.

• Festa de São João · Jun 18 – Jul 1 · festival

  The city's wildest night on 23 June - sardines, plastic hammers, hot-air balloons and a fireworks display over the Douro.

• Matosinhos Fish Festival · Jul 2 – Jul 29 · festival

  Matosinhos Fish Festival: the city spills onto the streets as whole freshly-caught fish — try the dourada — are grilled at open-air barbecues just blocks from the beach.

• August Heat Waves · Jul 30 – Sep 2 · festival

  August can bring punishing Atlantic heat waves pushing 40 °C — pack sunscreen and plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning.

• São Martinho Wine Harvest · Nov 5 – Nov 18 · festival

  São Martinho marks the year's first wine tastings; restaurants run all-night sittings celebrating new wine.

• Christmas · Dec 17 – Dec 31 · religious

  Festive decorations and holiday markets along the Avenida dos Aliados; cooler, atmospheric, peak Western tourists.

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