Author: Carter Lowry

The Festa das Latas, also known as “Latada,” takes place in October and marks the start of the school year at the University of Coimbra. During a week, a series of cultural events welcomes first-year students who have just entered the University. Therefore, this party begins with a serenade at Largo da Sé Nova.

Coimbra is a city steeped in history and knowledge, earning it the nickname “Portuguese City of Knowledge.” King Afonso IV, who played a significant role in the tragic love story of D. Pedro and Inês de Castro, also left a historical mark on Coimbra. The city is home to the University of Coimbra, one of the world’s oldest universities, continuously operating. According to legend, King John III outlined the cloister and surrounding garden of Jardim da Manga in the sleeve of his doublet, giving it the name Sleeve Garden. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, Coimbra is a must-visit destination for history lovers.

Exploring Coimbra’s UNESCO World Heritage Landmarks

Upper Town and Lower Town

Coimbra is set on a hill, and its Upper and Lower Towns offer a unique blend of history and monuments. The city’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, with many vital artists contributing to its current appearance. Many buildings in Coimbra are built in the Baroque style, such as the Joanina Library and the Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery. Visitors can explore the city’s historic center, including the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the Arco de Almedina. The Mondego River plays a significant role in Coimbra’s history and landmarks, contributing to attractions like the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery and outdoor leisure activities.

Santa Clara Monasteries

The Santa Clara Monasteries are a must-visit attraction in Coimbra. The Old Santa Clara Monastery dates back to the 13th century and is famous for its connection to Inês de Castro and King Pedro I’s tragic love story. The New Santa Clara Monastery, built to replace the original monastery due to constant flooding by the Mondego River, is where visitors can see the tomb of St. Elizabeth of Portugal.

Nature and Leisure by the Mondego River

Coimbra’s Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Coimbra. It features a collection of plants worldwide and is a popular spot for students and visitors, offering a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. The garden is also home to endangered species preserved in their natural habitat.

Other Parks and Gardens

Coimbra is home to several other parks and gardens, including the Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears Garden). The Quinta das Lágrimas is a romantic spot, with its scenic botanic garden featuring over 50 different types of trees from around the world. Visitors can also explore the Jardim da Manga (Sleeve Garden), a beautiful spot with a Renaissance-style fountain.

University Life and Traditions

University life at the Universidade de Coimbra (UC) is known for its rich traditions, strong sense of community, and beautiful historical setting. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Academics

• Prestigious and Historic: UC is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It offers a wide range of programs with a strong focus on research and scholarship.
• Supportive Environment: The university provides various support services for international students, including language courses and academic advising.

Student Life

• Vibrant and Active: Coimbra boasts a lively student scene with numerous clubs, associations, and events throughout the year.
• Deep Traditions: Be prepared to experience unique traditions like the Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning Ceremony) marking student graduation and the Fado (melancholic Portuguese music) performances.
• Strong Community: UC fosters a strong community among students, mainly through the Associação Académica de Coimbra (AAC), the student union known for its vibrant social scene.

Accommodation and Cost of Living

• Variety of Options: Students can choose from on-campus housing, traditional student residences (repúblicas), or private apartments. Repúblicas offers a unique cultural experience with shared meals and solid social bonds but can be more social and potentially less private.
• Relatively Affordable: Compared to other European cities, Coimbra offers a relatively affordable cost of living for students.

City Life

• Charming and Historic: Coimbra is a lovely city with a rich history. It offers beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, and stunning views.
• Lively and Cultural: The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, and traditional Portuguese cafes.
• Safe and Walkable: Coimbra is a relatively safe city with a walkable and easily navigable city center.

Challenges

• Language Barrier: Portuguese is the primary language of instruction, so some language skills are necessary. However, the university offers language courses, and many locals are friendly and helpful to foreigners.
• Adapting to Traditions: For international students, the strong traditions and hierarchical student structure might take some time to adjust to.

Overall, university life at UC offers a unique and enriching experience. The combination of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and a charming historical setting makes it a top choice for students seeking an unforgettable adventure. Former students have made significant contributions to the university and the city, including cultural initiatives at the Cultural Centre Penedo da Saudade and tributes at Santa Clara-a-Nova monastery.

Navigating Campus Life

The University of Coimbra is a prestigious institution in Portugal with a rich history and culture. It is organized into eight faculties and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can explore the university’s historic campus, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Joanina Library.

Additionally, the nearby Santa Cruz Monastery, recognized as a National Pantheon, holds significant historical value as the resting place of the first kings of Portugal and adds to the university’s cultural heritage.

What exactly is Festa das Latas?

Ever heard of a student initiation that involves… shaving cream, water balloons, and… cans? Welcome to the wild world of Latada, a boisterous celebration at the University of Coimbra (UC) in Portugal that marks the start of the academic year!

A Time-Honored Tradition

The Latada, also known as the Festa das Latas (Festival of Cans), stretches back to the 19th century. Think of it as a symbolic baptism by (mostly harmless) plastic objects tied to cans. Freshmen, donned in black suits and capes (caloiros), brave the playful (and sometimes messy) hazing from upperclassmen (doutores) as they parade through the historic streets of Coimbra.

More Than Just Cans

The Latada isn’t just about a good-natured can-flinging. It’s a vibrant week-long festival pulsating with student life. Imagine lively music from student bands filling the air, colorful floats snaking through the city, and evenings buzzing with social gatherings and serenades. It’s a melting pot of tradition, revelry, and a warm welcome for new UC students.

Building Bonds Through Rowdiness?

The Latada’s hazing rituals haven’t been without criticism. Concerns about the potential for overly harsh treatment have prompted efforts to make the celebration more lighthearted and inclusive. But at its core, the Latada fosters a strong sense of community. Freshmen bond over the shared experience, while upperclassmen take on a mentoring role, creating a unique camaraderie within the student body.

A Cultural Experience Like No Other

Whether you’re a student considering UC or a traveler curious about Portuguese traditions, the Latada is a sight. It’s a window into the vibrant student life at UC and a testament to the city’s rich academic heritage. So, if you find yourself in Coimbra during Latada week, embrace the playful chaos, soak in the atmosphere, and witness a tradition unlike any other. Just maybe wear clothes that are easy to clean…

Latada Coimbra: A Freshman’s Experience

Latada is a traditional freshmen parade at the University of Coimbra, celebrating the university’s history and tradition. The event is a significant part of the university’s culture and is attended by thousands of students and spectators. Freshmen can experience the university’s unique traditions, including the Latada parade and the Queima das Fitas event.

Food and Drink Traditional Portuguese Cuisine

Coimbra is famous for its traditional Portuguese cuisine, including dishes such as quebra costas and arroz Doce. Visitors can try the city’s famous pastries, including the Tentugal pastries, cigar-shaped treats that used to be made in convents. The city has several restaurants, including A Cozinha da Maria and Restaurante O Convento.

Serenada

The serenade is led by students who are part of fado groups.

The highlight of this party is the procession through the city streets. All university students participate in this parade wearing academic attire. However, first-year students parade in costumes designed by doctors and ‘godparents’ with their school colors. The freshmen students drag cans tied to their ankles, giving rise to a boisterous procession.

It is customary to display messages of criticism and social satire. The end of the procession takes place along the banks of the river. Here, the course sponsors baptize their ‘godchildren’ with Mondego water in a ritual of acceptance and belonging to the university. It is a unique event that brings a festive atmosphere to the city and to which the community joins, accepting and participating in the revelry, enthusiasm, and even some excesses typical of youth.

Atypical Last Thoughts

Coimbra’s energy is infectious. I just spent a whirlwind week here, and I’m already planning my return trip to the Latada in 2024. Imagine witnessing that crazy parade – freshmen covered in shaving cream, doutores flinging cans in a good-natured haze! It’s a baptism by (mostly harmless) plastic, a chaotic welcome to the University of Coimbra (UC), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that oozes history from every cobblestone.

The university itself is a sight to behold. Walking through those ancient halls, I couldn’t help but picture past students like Kings Afonso IV and John III roaming these spaces. The serenity of the Santa Clara Monastery washed over me, starkly contrasting the bustling downtown area. A quick escape to the UC Botanical Garden offered a welcome breath of fresh air.

Portuguese History

This city caters to every curiosity. History buffs like me can wander through the National Pantheon, marveling at the tombs of Inês de Castro and Pedro, a legendary Portuguese love story. The ruins of Santa Clara-a-Velha whispered tales of a bygone era while the UC’s computer engineering department hummed with the energy of innovation.

Everywhere I turned, there were celebrations. The end of the school year here is marked by the Queima das Fitas, a riot of music and color that spilled out onto the streets. Live music seems to be the lifeblood of Coimbra, its infectious energy thrumming through the nights.

Coimbra isn’t just a university town; it’s a city with a soul. I climbed the infamous Quebra Costas stairs (my legs are still protesting!), wandered the charming streets of Alta, and enjoyed a lazy walk along the Mondego River. The Sé Velha, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, left me speechless, and the grandeur of the São Francisco Church stole my breath away.

From wide-eyed students to friendly locals, Coimbra has woven its magic on me. This isn’t goodbye. It’s a “see you soon.” Coimbra, with its rich tapestry of history, youthful energy, and undeniable charm, will forever hold a special place in my travelogue.

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