Porto events and festivals 2015

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Discover the city of Porto in northern Portugal, elected the Best European Destination of 2014.

Apart from the wealth of historic monuments, worthy of being included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and beautiful natural settings, overlooking the Douro River, Porto offers an interesting choice of cultural and sports events to attend to throughout the year.

Essence of Wine Fair Porto 2015
26 February – 1 March

Porto and River Douro area are one of world’s most recognizable wine regions. The city of Porto regularly holds events dedicated to wine-making, amongst them the Essence of Wine international fair. The 12^th edition of the festival (Essência do Vinho, in Portuguese) will count with the presence of 350 national and international wine producers and over 3000 wines on display. The jury of reputable wine experts will choose the Top 10 Portuguese Wines. The fair is hosted by one of the most iconic buildings of Porto, the Stock Exchange Palace. Essência do Vinho official website (available in Portuguese only). 

Fantasporto
27 February – 7 March

Held in Porto since 1981, Fantasporto International Film festival (or shortly Fantas) is dedicated to fantasy, science-fiction and horror cinema, featuring both commercial movies and independent productions. The event considered one of world’s 25 most important film festivals attracts renowned film-makers and large public the city of Porto. Apart from movie screenings, the festival offers a variety of accompanying events, exhibitions and performances. See the programme of Fantasporto.

Wings for Life World Run Porto 2015
3 May

Wings for Life is a global running event raising awareness and funds for the spinal cord injury treatment. Wings for Life races, known as World Run take place in multiple locations worldwide. Porto will be the starting point of the Portuguese editions of the World Run. Find more information on the event’s official website.

São João Fest Porto 2015
23 June

St. John’s Day is a festive occasion in many cities in Portugal and across the world. In few places, however, the festivities are of similar proportions to the ones in Porto. Festa do São João, as it is called in Portuguese, is by far the city’s most animated celebration. Street parties and parades start in the evening and continue to very late at night. The neighbourhoods of Porto, and especially the downtown, fill with joyous crowds, live music, food stalls and grills, where the traditional on this occasion delicacy - grilled sardines are prepared in large quantities . The celebrations culminate at midnight with a magnificent display of fireworks over River Douro.

Serralves Festival 2015
dates to be confirmed

The Serralves Foundation, based in Porto, is one of Portugal’s most respected cultural institutions. The foundation’s mission is the promotion of contemporary art through multidisciplinary initiatives. One of them is the Serralves em Festa Festival, which over its eleven editions has grown into one of Europe’s most important festivals of contemporary artistic expression. During the 40 hours of the festival’s duration, usually from Saturday to Sunday, the visitors have unlimited access to a variety of music, dance and theatre performances, film and video exhibitions as well as workshops.

F1 H2O World Championship - Raceboat Grand Prix of Portugal 2015
31 July – 2 August

In 2015, Porto’s River Douro will be hosting for the first time the international powerboat racing competition, within the Formula 1 H2O World Championship. Teams from ten different countries will be participating in the event, which in Portuguese is known as Grande Prémio de Portugal Motonáutica.

See the promotional video of F1 Raceboat Grand Prix of Portugal 2015:

Porto Marathon 2015
8 November

Porto Marathon is one of the most popular sports events in northern Portugal, attracting both local and international athletes. The course of the run leads through some of the most beautiful areas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

The 12^th edition of Porto Marathon includes a variety of events. Apart from the full 42 km race, there will be a 15k family race, as well as 6k mini marathon.

More information and registration for Porto Marathon.