Brace yourselves: Easter 2018 is coming! And since we’re talking about such a religious holiday, why not doing like Jesus himself and take 3 days off? Porto will be glad to have you! As usual, the city will be packed with visitors, so take advantage of the following advices and enjoy the best of Easter 2018 in Porto.
HOW TO CELEBRATE GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER 2018 IN PORTO
TRY FOLAR AND PÃO-DE-LÓ AT CONFEITARIA PETÚLIA
Photo by: oportoblog
As one of the oldest bakeries in the city, Confeitaria Petúlia is often packed with locals picking up their traditional sweets for special celebrations such as Christmas or Easter. With that being said, we recommend that you jump on the bandwagon and go see (or better, taste!) for yourself what all the fuss is about. Among their most requested specialties for the holidays, we suggest trying their “Pão de Ló” (the Portuguese version of the sponge cake) as well as the “Folar”, a sweet bread Portuguese godparents usually offer their godchildren for Easter. Confeitaria Petúlia is open every day between 8 am and midnight.
WATCH OUT FOR THE DOOR-TO-DOOR EASTER VISIT
Photo by: oportoblog
If you’re one of those tourists who take interest in the traditions of the places you visit, then this entry is for you! Despite being more common in rural areas, it’s still relatively easy to find small door-to-door church marches in Porto. In these small pilgrimages, a group led by the local priest carries a cross and takes it door to door while ringing a bell. Those interested must open their home’s front door for the group to come inside, and then kiss the cross. Probably not the most hygienic ritual, but no one cares when it comes to tradition!
EASTER CONCERTS AT CASA DA MUSICA
Taking place on the 20th and on the 28th of March, Casa da Música is offering a whole new take on Easter season, through the symphonies of some of the all-time greats such as Bach and Gustav Mahler. Addressing themes such as resurrection, redemption and regret, it provides a funnier and more melodious way of tackling the existential questions and life mysteries that usually pop into our heads during this season, such as the meaning of life, what comes next, or how did Shakespeare in Love win an Oscar over Saving Private Ryan.
TRADITIONAL EASTER BUFFET LUNCH AT GRANDE HOTEL DO PORTO
Photo courtesy of: Grande Hotel Do Porto
If you want to celebrate Easter 2018 like a local when in Porto, then you’ll have to spend much of your time doing what we usually do so well: eating! Well – luckily for you – the Grande Hotel do Porto will be setting up a very special buffet lunch this year. As one of the oldest hotels in the city, this very distinctive place has a reputation to stand up to, so you can expect a true old-fashioned feast for the senses. You can check out their extensive planned menu (40€) right here!
GO VISIT ONE OF THE CITY CHURCHES
Photo by: oportoblog
Being the good, well-behaved and revered catholic country that we are, churches are usually filled with people on religious festivities such as Easter. So if you really want to mingle when in Porto, visiting one of our many amazing places of worship is a must! In case you want to be dazzled at the sight of amazing tile panels, impressive altars and lavish interiors, then a visit to “Igreja dos Carmelitas” and its adjacent “Igreja do Carmo” is certainly in order. However, should you wish a less touristy and more immersive experience, there are literally hundreds of smaller and more obscure churches scattered across the city, where you can see authentic rituals and celebrate Easter 2018 like a local!
GO BAR HOPPING THROUGH THE GALERIAS DE PARIS
Photo courtesy of: Era uma vez em Paris
As an area absolutely jammed with bars and clubs, competition is king at “Galerias de Paris”. And with bars such as “Porto Tónico”, “Casa do Livro” or “Era uma vez em Paris”, you’ll have plenty on your hands to deal with. Celebrate your new sinless life with a drink from every bar you can find and don’t worry about more holistic matters – you can always return next year and repent again! And if by the end of the night you get to stand on your own two feet and walk your way back to the hotel, then that will be a comeback even Jesus would be proud of!
And that’s our plan for a great Easter 2018 in Porto! Is there any other event taking place in the city? Let us know!
