Miguel Bombarda Quarter Celebrates a “Creative Christmas”

Porto is getting ready to celebrate the “most creative Christmas” on Saturday, December 13, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ágora is hosting an afternoon of free cultural programming, including DJ sets, a Christmas concert, and creative workshops in drawing, illustration, ceramics, screen printing, and writing Christmas postcards and letters. Participants are also invited to leave a message on the “Dream Tree,” a piece created by artist Joana Valente. The public is encouraged to write a Christmas message dedicated to the city of Porto and revisit the Simultaneous Openings exhibitions, on view until January 17.

Beyond marking the festive season, this initiative aims to stimulate connection, sharing, and the exchange of experiences among creators, residents, workers, and visitors to the city. A special highlight will be the collaborative pieces produced in the creative workshops of the Simultaneous Openings, presented through a redesigned route across the exhibition spaces of the Miguel Bombarda Quarter.

This Christmas, more than simply choosing sustainable products, we invite you to reflect on the excessive consumption typical of the season. Reducing, reusing, and transforming what we already have is one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact. By taking part in the DIY & DIT workshops, you are supporting the local creative economy, giving new life to existing materials, and actively contributing to a more mindful and truly sustainable Christmas.

At Largo da Maternidade, the Bombarda Creators Showcase highlights Porto’s talent and craftsmanship, grounded in sustainable, interdisciplinary, and innovative practices. In the Miguel Bombarda Quarter, everything has its own rhythm and purpose: more than consuming, visitors are invited to create their own meaningful piece — filled with the true spirit of Christmas: sharing affection and happiness.

— Ana Alves da Silva