@Coimbra 2015 by Turismo de Coimbra

@COIMBRA 2015 WHAT YOU REALLY SHOULD NOT MISS

PORTUGAL

COIMBRA, AN ENCHANTED AND FANTASTIC CITY

Considered one of the most important and ancient Portuguese cities, Coimbra, which was once the Kingdom’s capital, harbours a rich and vast heritage, both tangible and intangible. It is the Portuguese Athens described by Eça de Queirós, which enthrals all who discover it.

A centre of reference in the areas of Knowledge, Research, Education and Health, it is the most populous and important city in the Central Region. With a highly privileged geographical location in the backbone of the country, Coimbra, which majestically rises above the Mondego River, pulsates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering both a fascinating and rich journey through the world of Art and Culture, History and Heritage, Nature and Sport, Gastronomy and Crafts. It has a very unique mystique, born of a past filled with relevancy and also the memories of dozens of thousands of Portuguese, who, even today, spread across the world, remember their youth, spent at the University, a noteworthy institution which commemorates its 725th anniversary in 2015, being one of the oldest and most reputable in Europe. Many people completed their degrees here, irrefutable names in the areas of knowledge, who have indelibly contributed to the city’s vast intellectual

03 | @Coimbra 2015

Much more than a city filled with history, culture and traditions, more than one of the most monumental Portuguese cities, home to one of the oldest European universities – World Heritage, more than the magic of fado and faith in the Rainha Santa Isabel, and even more than a leader in Knowledge and Scientific and Technological Research, Coimbra is different: every day the city re-energises and renovates itself, it is more alive, dynamic and cosmopolitan. Feel unique emotions and memorable experiences, only lived in cities with soul. Discover Coimbra – an enchanted city!

in literature make the city vibrate all year long. Coimbra’s current cultural life also pulsates with the cult of the Coimbra song and fado castiço. Gastronomy is also highly important, especially convent sweets.

@Coimbra 2015 | 04

heritage. But it was also the place where politicians studied, who, during their years of study and especially after, were part of crucial moments in Portugal´s history and also the history of other Portuguese-speaking countries, foremost Brazil. In addition to the recent recognition as UNESCO World Heritage, the city is the repository of the artistic heritage of foregone days. However, this does not hinder the production of more modern and experimentalist artwork. The past lives on, intertwined with the present, in a perfect intermingling of important historical legacy and the dynamic of a modern and current city which continues to be built in a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Coimbra has an entrepreneurial and creative group of cultural agents who, in theatre, in music, in visual arts, in cinema or

Accommodations in the city are guaranteed by a qualified and diverse hotel network, which includes a youth hostel and a camping ground with a river beach. Coimbra also has vast retail areas, be they of a more traditional nature, in unrivalled areas of the Historical City Centre, or shopping centres of a large dimension with bold architecture, which have earned international awards. The broad array of reputable city museums, especially the Machado de Castro National Museum, which houses the Cryptoportico, is one of the most notable works of Roman architecture and is considered to be the best preserved example of Roman architecture in Portugal. Also worth noting is the medieval convent Santa Clara-a-Velha, a heritage restoration and enhancement project which has won several awards. In addition, there are the fantastic Science Museum and the Infante D. Henrique Exploratory, national centres for the dissemination of science and scientific museology. The Quinta das Lágrimas is also important to highlight, where the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês is recreated; in addition to Portugal dos Pequenitos, which has, for over 70 years, provided an

exhilarating voyage through our country’s architecture and monuments, appropriate for all ages. Spending time in the open air is increasingly practised by all those in Coimbra. The city is surrounded by magnificent green spaces, such as the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens), the Jardim da Sereia , Manuel Braga Park, the pedestrian area of Vale das Flores or the Parque Verde, one of the prettiest green leisure spaces the city has recently constructed.

Finally, there is the Mondego River, so many times referred to as the River of the Poets, highlighted not only for the traditions associated with it, but also for its spaces of enjoyment which have gained ever increasing numbers of admirers. It is also over

the Mondego River that one of the city’s most noteworthy examples of contemporary architecture rises, the Pedro and Inês Bridge. Coimbra is, for these reasons and many others which visitors will discover for themselves, the city which occupies the imagination of the Portuguese who start to feel nostalgic about it, even though they have never actually lived there.

05 | @Coimbra 2015

These environments naturally lead to sports and a vast array of equipment is available for all: modern pavilions, various recently constructed pools, an equestrian centre, dozens of pitches for football or rugby, trails for more radical sports, cycling circuits, among others. It is important to highlight this relevant sports tangent because the city has been the stage for several international sports competitions. And, of course, the city is also home to Académica, or as the football team is lovingly called, Briosa, which for many years was comprised only by university students and nowadays plays in the modern Coimbra Municipal Stadium, inaugurated in 2004.

Autor :António Maia Júnior

MIGUEL TORGA – JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME DATE: Until

January

@Coimbra 2015 | 06

2016 LOCATION: Miguel Torga House Museum In the year which commemorates the 20 th anniversary of the death of Miguel Torga, the documental exhibit Journey of a Lifetime takes place, displaying the collection donated to the House-Museum and which can be found in the Municipal Library. The exhibit includes testimony on the writer’s life and work – manuscripts, personal objects, personal documents, and photographs, amongst others. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

THE FLAVOURS OF WRITING DATE: 27th

February | 27th March | 24th April | 29th May da Escrita TIME: 20h00 PRICE: €15 per person Uniting literature and gastronomy is the objective of The Flavours of Writing, which brings together specialists from both areas on a journey through the routes of knowledge and LOCATION: Casa

flavours, providing information on the literary and gastronomic traditions of Coimbra. In partnership with the Master´s degree course in Food History: sources, culture and society/Faculty of Letters at the University of Coimbra and the Coimbra School of Hotel Management and Tourism, each session will highlight different authors, such as Infante D. Pedro, Gil Vicente, Caio Sévio and Father António Vieira. Themes related with the life and work of these authors will be discussed, including other figures that have influenced local culture and history (through the realisation of conferences), always in connection with traditional gastronomy (through the realisation of themed dinners). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

URBAN CRAFT FAIR DATE: 14 th March | 11th April | 9 th May | 13th June | 11th July | 8th August | 12th September | 10 th October | 14th November | 12th December LOCATION: Rua Visconde da Luz and Rua Ferreira Borges TIME: April through October, from 10h00 to 18h30 | March, November and December, from 10h00 to 17h30 An initiative which energises the urban public space, highlighting the sale of products from diverse areas of work, techniques and materials, resulting in a presentation of highly original objects, from utensils to fashion accessories, clothing, decoration, etc, contributing to an ever-stronger affirmation of contemporary urban craftsmanship. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

TAVERN ROUTE DATE: 27th

March | 3rd July | 2nd October | 11th December be announced PRICE: between €5 and €10 Meal in a historical tavern, referencing local traditions, preceded by a visit to the area where the tavern is located. The meal is normally comprised of the house’s most famous dishes. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council LOCATION: to

CONSERVATORY THURSDAYS – RITE OF SPRING / AUTUMN COLOURS DATE: March, April and May / October, November and December LOCATION: Auditorium of the Music Conservatory of Coimbra Programme of concerts and performances, conferences and debates, cinema sessions, theatre and exhibits. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Music Conservatory of Coimbra

DATE: 14 th and 15th March (World Cup) | 16th and 19 th March (Traineeship) LOCATION: Dr. Mário Mexia Municipal Sports Pavilion This competition, for the second time, is part of the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Junior Tour - which enables the compilation of points for the IJF Junior World Ranking List. ECJ Coimbra is one of the largest junior judo events in Europe, where hundreds of judo athletes from all over the world compete. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Portuguese Judo Federation

TRAIL RUN MONDEGO | ATHLETICS DATE: 12th

April

LOCATION: various

locations throughout the city Trail Run Mondego is an event dedicated to off-road running, organised by the Coimbra School of Athletics and by the Coimbra Municipal Council. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

07 | @Coimbra 2015

JUNIOR WORLD CUP AND TRAINEESHIP | JUDO

THE COLOR RUN | ATHLETICS DATE: 26th

INDEPENDENT AMERICAN CINEMA CYCLE

April

LOCATION: Banks

of the Mondego River The Coimbra Municipal Council, in collaboration with Urban Events, holds one more edition of what has already been named the happiest race on the planet. It will again take place on the banks of the Mondego River and counts on the participation of thousands of runners. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

MONTH OF DANCE

@Coimbra 2015 | 08

DATE: April LOCATION: Gil Vicente Academic Theatre The month of Dance Cycle presents three performances of national reference, with distinct artistic signatures, demonstrating the vivacity of contemporary Portuguese dance. Already a staple in the city, the Month of Dance highlights the work of three current, renowned Portuguese choreographers. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Gil Vicente Academic Theatre

DATE: April/May LOCATION: Salgado Zenha Mini Auditorium With this cycle, the Centre for Cinematographic Studies/AAC intends to promote writers and films which are not as known by the general public, such as Wes Andersen, John Cassavettes, Paul Thomas Andersen, Kelly Reichardt, among others. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Centre for Cinematographic Studies /AAC

FLOWER AND PLANT AND MARKET DATE: 2nd

May

LOCATION: Praรงa

8 de Maio, Rua Visconde da Luz and Rua Ferreira Borges TIME: 09h00 to 18h00 The event is part of an urban entertainment programme of Downtown Coimbra. It contains a component which is markedly connected to associations, raising awareness in the general public of the importance of flowers and plants in the economy and in the daily life of businesses and people, through the balance of biodiversity. The event is complemented by the traditional gastronomy and sweets of the Coimbra region. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

“QUEIMA DAS FITAS” INTERNATIONAL REGATTA | ROWING DATE: 9 th

May

LOCATION: Rio

Mondego The Academic Association of Coimbra – Nautical Sports Section is organising another edition of the International Regatta, encompassing various distances and categories of Junior Rowing, Adapted Rowing, Absolutes, José Matos Memorial, taking place during the academic festivities in Coimbra, and which promises to bring together hundreds of athletes. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Nautical Sports of the Academic Association of Coimbra

“QUEIMA DAS FITAS” DATE: 8 th

DATE: 16th

May

LOCATION: Science

Museum of the University of Coimbra Museum Night is a European cultural initiative started in 2005. On this night, the Science Museum opens its doors to anyone who wants to visit after hours. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Science Museum of the University of Coimbra

COIMBRA CITY MEET - “QUEIMA DAS FITAS” INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT | COMPETITIVE SWIMMING DATE: 29 th

to 31st May Centre of the Municipal Pools International tournament with established credentials, LOCATION: Olympic

09 | @Coimbra 2015

to 15th May LOCATION: various locations throughout the city This is one of the largest student festivals in all of Europe, occurring for a little over a week. The Queima das Fitas marks the journey of student life for University of Coimbra students. Academic Week starts with the Monumental Serenade on the steps of the Sé Velha. Included in the programme are also the Gala Ball of each of the Faculties, the Garraiada, the Venda da Pasta, the Queima of the Grelo (the Burning of the Ribbon, which lent its name to the festival) and the Cortejo dos Quartanistas (Senior Year Parade), without ever forgetting the popular Park Nights, where every night there is entertainment, such as concerts, DJ’s, among other elements. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Academic Association of Coimbra

MUSEUM NIGHT

constituting one of the final possibilities for obtaining minimum rankings for international competitions. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Academic Association of Coimbra

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ MEETINGS OF COIMBRA DATE: 29 th

May to 1st June Brazil | TAGV – Gil Vicente Academic Theatre | Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery | Bissaya Barreto House Museum and Machado de Castro National Museum Organised by the Coimbra Municipal Council and Jazz ao Centro Club, the International Jazz Meetings have managed to become one of the main events in the jazz world in Portugal, the result of labour consolidated throughout the years. The event counts on the presence of leading musicians on the international scene and emerging Portuguese musicians. In the 13th edition, Jazz ao Centro Club will reinforce its connection to the business and association networks, with performances occurring on various stages, such as the Gil Vicente Academic Theatre (TAGV) and Salão Brazil, but also in non-conventional spaces, such as the Gardens of the Arts House of the Bissaya Barreto Foundation, the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery and the Machado de Castro National Museum. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council and Jazz ao Centro Club

@Coimbra 2015 | 10

LOCATION: Salão

CADET WORLD CUP AND INTERNATIONAL TRAINEESHIP | JUDO DATE: 30 th

and 31st May (World Cup) 1st and 3rd June (International Judo Traineeship) LOCATION: Dr. Mário Mexia Municipal Sports Pavilion One of the most thrilling judo competitions is held in Coimbra. In 2014, it established a record for participants, with 446 judo athletes (15-16 years old), from 20 different countries. It is part of the IJF World Cadet Tour, which enables the compilation of points for the IJF Cadet World Ranking List. In last year´s competition, held in the Dr. Mário Mexia Municipal Sports Pavilion, Portugal secured three fifth place finishes. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Portuguese Judo Federation

CULTURAL FAIR OF COIMBRA DATE: 30 th

May to 7th June Manuel Braga Park/Mondego Green Park The objective of the Cultural Fair of Coimbra is the promotion, divulgation and provision of incentives for the participation in cultural activities, both traditional and contemporary. The event occurs as a result of Coimbra’s repositioning as a city of knowledge, creativity and culture on the national cultural route. The Fair highlights books and crafts, in order to reflect the city’s artistic and cultural vitality. The initiative is complemented by spaces dedicated to the visual arts, music and gastronomy, without ever forgetting the official representations of Coimbra, which materialise the institutional pulse of this city. ADDITION INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council LOCATION: Dr.

MEDIEVAL FAIR OF COIMBRA DATE: 13th

and 14th

June LOCATION: Largo da Sé Velha The Medieval Fair of Coimbra intends to recreate a fair from the Fernandino period. It is a historical reprisal which started in 1992 and occurs in the Largo da Sé Velha, in which hundreds of participants take part. A Medieval Supper is also integrated in the same theme, which takes place in the Cloisters of the Sé Velha. ADDITION INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

DATE: 20 th

June

LOCATION: Praça

8 de Maio Sale of traditional products, such as crafts and convent sweets. Open air entertainment and participation of working craftsmen. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Ethnographic Group of the Coimbra Region

DATE: 22nd

June

LOCATION: various

locations throughout the city On 22nd June 2013, the University of Coimbra, the Alta and the Sofia were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage. This classification is relative to the building, but also encompasses an immaterial aspect, justified by the University of Coimbra’s role as a builder and disseminator of the Portuguese language and culture for centuries. The date is celebrated by the city with the occurrence of a group of relevant activities. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: RUAS Association

NIGHTS OF MUSIC IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF COIMBRA DATE: June through September (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) LOCATION: Praça 8 de Maio and Praça do Comércio Dozens of performances comprise the entertainment programme in the historical area of the city. The programme includes music of several genres, focussing on fado, folk and ethnography. It is integrated in the programme of the Folklore and Ethnography Association of the Mondego Region, which, in addition to various folk performances, realises an ethnographic parade in a festival environment from the Largo da Portagem to the Praça 8 de Maio. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

11 | @Coimbra 2015

POPULAR ART AND CULTURE EXHIBIT

COMMEMORATIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COIMBRA, ALTA AND SOFIA AS WORLD HERITAGE

3rd INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT OF MASTER ATHLETICS | ATHLETICS DATE: 4 th

July

LOCATION: Coimbra

Municipal Stadium

TIME: 14h00

@Coimbra 2015 | 12

As part of the Festivities of the City, the Coimbra Veterans Club of Athletics realises the 3rd International Tournament of Master Athletics in the Municipal Stadium of Coimbra, dedicated to master athletes, with support from the Coimbra Municipal Council. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Equestrian Centre of Coimbra

FESTIVITIES OF THE CITY OF COIMBRA 2015

ASSOCIATIONS FAIR

DATE: 2nd to 5th July

LOCATION: Rua

LOCATION: various

locations throughout the city For four days, Coimbra will live true moments of celebration, culminating in the City day, celebrated on 4th July – the municipal holiday. The festivities include a programme of cultural, touristic and sports events which aim to celebrate the identity, the history, the culture and the traditions of one of the most important, monumental and enchanted cities of Portugal, which is today World Heritage. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

DATE: 4 th

July

Ferreira Borges and Rua Visconde da Luz Divulgation and demonstration of activities connected to the Associations of Coimbra. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

FOLKLORE FESTIVAL DATE: 4 th

July

LOCATION: Praça

8 de Maio Folklore festival with participation by several groups. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Ethnographic Group of the Coimbra Region

INTERNATIONAL JUMPING COMPETITION | EQUESTRIANISM DATE: 5th

and 7th July LOCATION: Equestrian Centre of Coimbra In 2015, the International Jumping Competition will once again take place in Coimbra. Last year, equestrians from all over the world participated and the event was an enormous success. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Equestrian Centre of Coimbra

ARTS FESTIVAL DATE: 16th

DATE: 18 th

and 19th July LOCATION: Dr. Mário Mexia Municipal Sports Pavilion The city of Coimbra hosts the International Summer Traineeship of the Portuguese Karate Centre. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Portuguese Karate Centre

RAINHA SANTA RALLY | MOTOR RACING DATE: July LOCATION: various locations throughout the city With 45 editions and 62 years of history, the Rainha Santa Rally is one of the oldest motor racing competitions held in Portugal. In the last 14 years, the rally, organised by the Central Region Automobile Club, in collaboration with the Coimbra Municipal Council has held the historically regular competition, which has become a leader in competitions occurring in Portugal. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Central Region Automobile Club

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT OF THE CITY OF COIMBRA | BRIDGE DATE: July LOCATION: to be announced The International bridge tournament is organised by the Portuguese Bridge Federation, with support from the Coimbra Municipal Council, and counts on the participation of dozens of players. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Portuguese Bridge Federation

13 | @Coimbra 2015

to 27th July LOCATION: Quinta das Lágrimas Eclectic event which promotes numerous forms of artistic expression – music, painting, theatre, literature, cinema, photography and much more – organised by the Inês de Castro Foundation, with support from the Coimbra Municipal Council. The theme for 2015 is The Party. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Inês de Castro Foundation

INTERNATIONAL KARATE TRAINEESHIP – PORTUGUESE KARATE CENTRE

MAGICAL ENCOUNTERS – INTERNATIONAL MAGIC FESTIVAL OF COIMBRA to 19th September LOCATION: Gil Vicente Academic Theatre | Downtown | Hospitals | Coimbra Prison | Cerca de S. Bernardo Theatre Coimbra, for 5 days is the Magic Capital. Magicians from the four corners of the globe, scatter throughout the city, between street magic sessions and performances in the city hospitals and prison. In addition, the event includes two International Magic Galas, on 17th and 18th September. The 19th International Magic Festival of Coimbra provides performances, illusion, the ability to dream and continues to surprise magic enthusiasts. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council and Luís de Matos Produções Ld.ª

@Coimbra 2015 | 14

DATE: 15th

EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS DATE: September LOCATION: various locations throughout the city Annual initiative by the European Council, European Union and the Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage, to which the Municipality has associated itself, in order to raise awareness among the municipalities of the importance of Heritage protection. Activities will be developed which in the majority of cases will be free. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council and the Agency for the Promotion of Downtown Coimbra

WORLD TOURISM DAY

CONVENT AND REGIONAL SWEETS EXHIBIT OF COIMBRA

DATE: 27th

DATE: 3rd

September LOCATION: various locations throughout the city There are several reasons to visit Coimbra, especially during the celebration of World Tourism Day. Tourism circuits, recreational, cultural and sports activities, musical performances and the distribution of city souvenirs are highlights of the programme prepared by the Coimbra Municipality to commemorate the day. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council and the Agency for the Promotion of Downtown Coimbra

and 4th October LOCATION: Former Sant’Anna Convent In a city with important convents, sweets are a rich inheritance. Detailed research has made it possible to recreate some of the delicacies, divulged and highlighted in this event, which is now in its 7th edition. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

HERITAGE FAIR DATE: 9 th ,

10 th and th 11 October LOCATION: Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery The Heritage Fair is an innovative initiative in Portugal, of a mobile character, developed and promoted by Spira – Heritage Revitalisation, in close collaboration with other entities, both public and private, in the heritage sector. It is an important event which brings together the areas of culture, tourism and the economy, promoting national cultural heritage as a strategic asset, capable of generating economic and social value. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Spira – Heritage Revitalisation

DATE: 10 th

October Manuel Braga Park TIME: 10h00/18h00 Scarecrows are part of historical memory. Of a recreational-cultural character, the Scarecrow Exhibit is part of an urban entertainment programme, with the objective of remembering an ancient practice connected to agricultural rites of soil fertility. This exhibit is a surprise for younger visitors and a return to the past for older ones. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council LOCATION: Dr.

DATE: second

fortnight of October locations throughout the city The Festa das Latas, or Latada (Can Festival) is the way in which the Academy celebrates the welcome of new students who enter the University of Coimbra, the caloiros (freshman). For a week, there are concerts and numerous cultural and sports activities, the high point being the parade through city streets, during which time the Freshman exhibit their hastes (stalks), cans and other devices. Once they reach the banks of the Mondego River, the “godparents” baptise their “godchildren” using a chamber pot and river water. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Academic Association of Coimbra LOCATION: various

EN[CHANT] THE DOWNTOWN DATE: October LOCATION: Downtown churches Promotion of choir music in Downtown Coimbra, in an exchange initiative between national choirs. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Choir of Coimbra Professors

15 | @Coimbra 2015

COLLECTIVE SCARECROW EXHIBIT

“FESTA DAS LATAS”

2nd WORLD HERITAGE HALF MARATHON OF COIMBRA – RACE OF KNOWLEDGE DATE: October LOCATION: various locations throughout the city The Coimbra Municipal Council, in collaboration with Globalsport, will hold the second edition of the Half Marathon of Coimbra – Race of Knowledge. In 2014, there were 2,800 participants in the Half Marathon, Mini Marathon and 5k Walk. ADDITIONAL information: Coimbra Municipal Council

FEAST OF ST MARTIN IN THE TORGA HOUSE DATE: 11th

November Torga House Museum In the year which commemorates the 20 th anniversary of the death of Miguel Torga, we remember the particular fondness the poet had for St Martin, representative of a human value he admired – fraternity – and once again celebrate the tradition of magusto (chestnut festival). ADDITIONAL information: Coimbra Municipal Council

@Coimbra 2015 | 16

LOCATION: Miguel

YEAR ZERO – CONTEMPORARY ART MEETINGS OF COIMBRA DATE: November LOCATION: various locations throughout the city Thirty nationally and internationally recognised artists will be represented for over 30 days in approximately 20 exhibits located in various areas across the city. The Contemporary Art

Meetings of Coimbra – a project whose main objective is the development of curatorial initiatives in areas of the city with patrimonial value – also include the realisation of an international conference, the development of an educational service, publication of a book, edition of catalogues regarding the event and various musical concerts and theatre performances. Year Zero is a project idealised by the Visual Arts Circle of Coimbra in partnership with the Coimbra Municipal Council and the University of Coimbra. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visual Arts Circle of Coimbra

CHRISTMAS CAROLS DATE: November

and December

LOCATION: Downtown

In the process of setting up the nativity designed by Master Cabral Antunes, on exhibition between December and January, the tradition of visiting nativities and listening to the erudite and traditional melodies of the holiday season are invoked, sung by choir and folk groups from Coimbra. The cycle ends with the singing of the Janeiras (traditional carols sung in January) in January 2016. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

38th S. SILVESTRE RUN | ATHLETICS DATE: December

ANTIQUE FAIR DATE: every

LOCATION: various

locations throughout the city The Coimbra Municipal Council once again promotes the S. Silvestre Run. Traditionally, it occurs during the last few days of the year for runners of all ages. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council

LIGHTS IN DOWNTOWN COIMBRA DATE: December

THEMED CIRCUITS DATE: all

year round locations throughout the city The Municipality provides numerous guided visits. With different themes, their objective is to evoke national and international ephemeral locations, as well as divulging and promoting historical, cultural, literary, ethnographic, toponymic and natural heritage, contributing to a greater knowledge of Coimbra’s identity. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council LOCATION: various

17 | @Coimbra 2015

LOCATION: Downtown Entertainment programme to celebrate the Christmas season and New Year. This event organised for the city, with national and foreign visitors in mind, focuses on the diversity of the content and public spaces in an encompassing and dynamic activity, without forgetting another important objective which is promoting retail business in Downtown Coimbra and attracting more people to this area of the city. The programme includes nativity scenes and other exhibits, street entertainment, activities for children, concerts and many other initiatives. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council and the Agency for the Promotion of Downtown Coimbra

month (on the fourth Saturday) do Comércio TIME: 09h00 to 19h00 The Antique Fair and Exhibit of Coimbra, taking place for 23 years, is a highlight of urban entertainment of unequalled importance in the city. As a repository of memories, it is a dynamic initiative at a cultural level, as well as at an economic and social level because it enables the sale and purchase of collectible items and antiques. It is also a meeting place for the multitude of individuals who visit the Praça do Comércio every month and for the dozens of exhibitors/participants who come from the north to the south of the country. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Coimbra Municipal Council LOCATION: Praça

CONTACTS

@Coimbra 2015 | 18

DISCLAIMER This publication is an edition of the Coimbra Municipal Council. It cannot be held responsible for alterations to the events announced, which may occur after the close of this Agenda. Possible changes to the programmes are the responsibility of the respective promoting entities.

PORTUGAL