Monumental serenade kicks off Queima das Fitas 2025 at Old Cathedral Square
At midnight sharp tonight, the sound of Coimbra’s fado guitars and voices will echo across the city’s uptown area.
It is the most eagerly anticipated moment for the students of Coimbra, especially for those about to graduate. This year, the Monumental Serenade will be performed by Última Luz and Inquietação – Grupo de Canção de Coimbra, setting the scene for the always-moving start of Queima das Fitas (Burning of the ribbons).
The return of the serenade to the Old Cathedral Square will bring some changes. The area will be fenced off and limited to 4,000 students for safety reasons. However, it will be broadcast on a giant screen near the Porta Férrea.
'I experienced the Monumental Serenade first-hand as a student, and those memories are unforgettable,' recalls Amílcar Falcão, Rector of the University of Coimbra. 'It is always very emotional, and we all feel that unique emotion of the Serenade — saudade,' he adds.
The "big party" will happen for eight nights straight at Praça da Canção, with the Noites do Parque music concerts starting on Friday, 23.
Further details about the 2025 Queima das Fitas celebrations are available at www.uc.pt/queimadasfitas.