*Source: Canva
Portugal is a country with a lot of history, and it's clear that universities would also be filled with a lot of traditions. There are several traditions related to various stages in the university life of each student. For Erasmus students, it may seem a bit confusing and curious. That's why today I bring you some information about academic life in Portugal!
It's important to note that traditions often vary from city to city and often between universities.
Praxe
Praxe is a set of practices aimed at welcoming and integrating new students into the higher education institutions they join. These practices are governed, according to their promoters, by codes approved by small groups within the student community. When applied correctly, it can be a good way to integrate, as through it, new students (freshmen) get to know older students who can help them throughout their academic life, as well as their peers in the same year, contributing to new friendships. Typically, the fun continues throughout the year, but the first weeks are always the most anticipated and lived with the most enthusiasm. Older students at the college are responsible for organizing the activities, and for that, a Praxe Committee is formed.
Baptism
Immediately after the initiation, there is the tradition of baptism. As the name suggests, this tradition involves choosing godparents for the freshmen. It is customary in Portugal for new students to seek out an older student to be their guide during their college years. Therefore, it is common for godparents to be from the same course as the freshmen.
Traje Académico
Have you ever wondered why some students walk around in outfits that remember Harry Potter's style on the streets of Portugal? If so, let me introduce you to traje académico!
Its tradition dates to the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal, and over time, it has spread to all universities in the country. The goal has always been to standardize and distinguish the academic community. There is a male version consisting of black trousers, a white shirt, a vest, a cape, and polished shoes. For women, there is a skirt, a jacket, and heels. The cape is worn by both. Traje Académico ends up being a “souvenir” and memory for all students, and many believe that washing it brings bad luck. Do you believe that?
Tuna Académica
Perhaps one of the most celebrated university movements, not only by students but also by society in general and even tourists, is the Tuna Académica. It is essentially a musical group composed of members from a Portuguese college. They can be mixed, all-male, or all-female. It is an academic tradition where students participate in serenades, playing classical and traditional Portuguese instruments. These groups have the tradition of organizing serenades to sing around the city, with love songs being the most celebrated.
But now, we pass the word to you… which tradition is your favourite? Have you seen any of these traditions at your university in Portugal? Are there academic traditions at your home university? Tell us everything in the "Living the Portuguese Way: Embracing Traditions as an Erasmus Student ✅". Let us know if you'd like to learn more about Portuguese traditions!
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