Little Guimarães, tucked in a valley in the far north of Portugal and often referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese state, has been designated a European Capital of Culture for 2012. That means that visitors this year are in for a treat: an added load of cultural activities in a very interesting corner of Portugal.
The Cultural Capital year in Guimarães called for a kick-off party, and it was held yesterday. I'll let Julie Fox tell you about it:
Fireworks? Tick. Orchestra? Tick. Massive crowds? Tick. A knight in the air? Tick. Psychedelic lights and stunning graphics projected onto buildings? Tick. Gigantic metal horse and fibreglass man puppets? Tick. What more could anyone possibly want from an opening event? An all night street party? Oh, all right then, if you insist; after all, this is the beginning of a year of culture and festivities in Guimarães. ~ Opening Night in Guimarães, European Capital of Culture 2012
Ms. Fox goes on to describe the evening jam packed with lights, food, and cultural events. Her photos alone might induce you to jump on the phone to your travel agent (or at least get to reading our essential travel guide to Guimaraes).
Guimarães isn't out in Portugal's "left field" either. Nearby are the compelling cities of Ponte de Lima, Braga and Portugal's most photographed monument, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus. Porto isn't far away; you can reach it by train. You could make a week--or a month--out of exploring the region.