Queima das Fitas, the annual University of Coimbra students parade in Coimbra, Portugal
Coimbra's Queima das Fitas is organized by a students' commission formed by members of the students' union Associação Académica de Coimbra. Celebrating the end of graduation courses, symbolized by the ritual burning of the ribbons representing each faculty of the University of Coimbra, it takes place at the second semester, being among the biggest student festivities in Europe. The high point of the festivities is the Cortejo, a parade beginning in Alta (upper Coimbra, the university historic centre and home to the Rector's Office and the famous University tower) with the graduating students burning their grelo. The parade progresses down the hills of the Alta towards the Baixa (downtown Coimbra, near the river) with dozens of elaborately decorated floats, each in the color of their respective faculties, carrying placards with ironic criticisms alluding to certain teachers, the educational system, national events and leaders. The parade is made up of thousands of "newly liberated" students set apart by their top hats and walking sticks. (source: Wikipedia)
Size: 3056px × 4592px
Location: Coimbra, Beira Litoral, Portugal, Iberian Peninsula, Europe
Photo credit: © Sergio Azenha / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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