The University traditions - Queima das Fitas

The “Queima das Fitas” festivity celebrates the end of the academic year and the graduation of students that finish their studies in that year. It takes place every year in May and starts with a special ritual in which students burn ribbons (= “fitas”) of eight colours, corresponding to the eight faculties. These ribbons represent the ribbons that once were used to tie books together. This festivity lasts one week and includes a parade, ceremonies, such as the “benção das pastas” at the Saint Michael Chapel (mass in which the traditional black leather folders of the graduate students are blessed), several shows at “Praça da Canção” down in the city Green Park, the Graduation Ball, among other events.

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