Event Details
Welcome to the Festas Nicolinas in Guimarães 2026
From 29 November to 7 December 2026, the medieval centre of Guimarães becomes the stage for one of Portugal's oldest and most remarkable student festivals. The Festas Nicolinas have been celebrated in honour of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of students, since the 17th century. Organised entirely by a committee of high school students, the festivities are rooted in ancient academic tradition and bring together generations of past and present students. Almost the entire programme is free and open to the public.
History & Significance
The first written reference to the Festas Nicolinas dates to 1664, the year the Chapel of Saint Nicholas was built in Guimarães. Considered one of the oldest academic traditions in Portugal, the Nicolinas have in recent years been put forward as a candidate for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. What began as a religious celebration has evolved over centuries into a vibrant, youth-led street festival that defines the identity of the city.
Programme 2026: The Números Nicolinos
The core of the Festas Nicolinas consists of a series of ritual events known as the Números Nicolinos:
- 29 November: Pinheiro – The most spectacular event of the festival. The tallest pine tree in the district of Guimarães is transported through the medieval streets on ox carts, escorted by hundreds of students continuously beating the distinctive Toques Nicolinos on drums. The parade ends with the erection of the pine at its symbolic location. The same evening, the Ceias Nicolinas take place: traditional festive dinners gathering former students.
- 29 November to 7 December: Novenas – Daily religious services held in honour of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception throughout the entire festival period.
- 4 December: Posses e Magusto – Students collect food and wine from residents around the city. In the evening, everyone gathers around a large bonfire at Praça de Santiago for the Magusto, sharing roasted chestnuts and wine.
- Roubalheiras (secret date) – A mysterious tradition in which objects disappear overnight and reappear mysteriously by the Pinheiro in the morning. The date is never announced in advance.
- 5 December: Pregão – A student recites a satirical, rhetorical text in verse from the balcony of the Town Hall, poking fun at local and national figures.
- 6 December: Maçãzinhas – On the feast day of Saint Nicholas, small apples are offered to young women watching from the balconies and windows of Praça de Santiago. A charming tradition with romantic roots.
- 6 December: Danças de São Nicolau – Short theatrical sketches and songs with satirical social commentary, performed at the Centro Cultural Vila Flor.
- 7 December: Baile Nicolino – The grand closing ball, attended by students and guests in formal attire. Tickets are limited and must be secured well in advance through the Comissão de Festas Nicolinas.
Admission & Tickets
Almost all events of the Festas Nicolinas are free of charge and open to everyone. Tickets are required only for the Danças de São Nicolau and the Baile Nicolino; these are available through the Nicolinas Festivities Committee. Capacity is limited, so early contact is strongly advised.
Visitor Tips
- The Pinheiro on 29 November is the most-attended event; arrive early and find a spot along the parade route through the historic centre.
- Guimarães is approximately 50 km north of Porto, easily reachable by direct train from Porto São Bento in around 70 minutes.
- November and December in northern Portugal can be wet and cool; waterproof clothing is recommended.
- The medieval old town, including the Castle and Ducal Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and well worth exploring alongside the festivities.
- Book hotels in Guimarães or Porto well in advance as accommodation fills up quickly during the Nicolinas period.
- Local restaurants serve special Nicolinas menus on the night of the Pinheiro featuring traditional Minho dishes; reservations are strongly advised.
