São Nicolau, vimaranense’s scholastic festivities that date back to, at least, the XVII century, and they are linked to the padroeiro saint of the students.These are academic traditions that are one of the oldest in the country, along with Coimbrãs, have unique characteristics, highlighting the participation of the olders with the newest people, which allows generations and generations of Nicolinos to gather every year between the 29th of November and the 6th of December in Guimarães.The Nicolinas are festivities rooted in our culture and history.

On November 29th, the mythical Pinheiro takes place: A procession that announces the beginning of the student festivities, which will last for a week.This is the longest night of the year in Guimarães, with the people of Guimarães – youngest and older – facing the cold and rain in the parade that passes through the city, accompanying a tree with the rhythm of drums and snares.Once the festivities were inaugurated with such a pagan procession, the Rouvalheiras followed (on a date never announced), the Novenas, the Maçãzinhas, the Dances of São Nicolau, the Posses and the Pregão, a scathing satirical speech, in the good spirit of Gil Vicente, recited in a very loud voice.

 

“Now I want to hear you in amazement
This is where I end this Auction.
Guimarães, once again, spoke louder
For IT WAS, IS and WILL BE THE SOUL, THE SOUL OF THE NATION”
-The Auction of S. Nicolau, December 5, 1993