1º Dezembro Récita poster for Associação Académica da Universidade do Minho (AAUM), 2012

* Philip is remembered for his patronage of the arts—portrayed multiple times by the famous Diego Velázquez.

The 1st of December is a symbol of Portuguese independence gained in 1640 after 60 years of rule by the the king Philip IV of Spain*.

The story says that the students of Braga’s College of St. Paul were the first to cheer for king Phillip passing through the streets of Braga on his way out. Celebrating the restoration of independence, they started a tradition which observed every year, remains alive.