What is NOS Primavera Sound?

As the name implies, it's just like Barcelona's Primavera Sound – except it takes place in Oporto, about a week after the catalonian festival, and it's sponsored by a well-known telecomunnications operator, hence the “NOS”. Barcelona's edition started in 2001, at the Poble Espanyol, and the musical offerings were mostly of the electronic type: Armand Van Helden, Carl Craig, Gus Gus and Unkle performed there. The following year, it opened its doors to alternative rock, with performances by Spiritualized, Echo & the Bunnymen, Giant Sand, Pulp and Tindersticks.

 In 2012, it migrated from Barcelona to Oporto, planting its roots at the Parque da Cidade. Oporto's Primavera is just like Barcelona's, except smaller – but most of the artists who perform at the ciudad condal also visit Portugal. Some of them are even exclusive to Oporto's festival. 2017's edition will be the sixth straight one, and three-day passes are already sold out. NOS Primavera Sound has hosted artists such as The Flaming Lips, Patti Smith, Brian Wilson, Blur, Caetano Veloso and Antony & the Johnsons, among many others.

“Parque da Cidade”? Can you translate that for me?

Sure: “Parque da Cidade” means, literally, “City Park”. Oporto's City Park, that is. Nevertheless, one of the easiest ways to get there is through Matosinhos, a city near Oporto; just take the subway (don't be surprised if you don't find it very “subby”) and leave at the Matosinhos Sul station. You'll reach the Parque da Cidade, or City Park, on foot after about 5 to 10 minutes. You can also take the bus, and since you're in Oporto as a probable tourist, you'll get to see the amazing Foz do Douro and stroll around one of the most beautiful parts of the city. Just leave at the Rotunda da Anémona (in english: “Sea Anemone Roundabout”, and you are now aware of the silly names we portuguese people give to things). At night, there will always be buses which will take you back to Oporto's downtown. You can always drive there, but be warned: traffic will probably be heavy and finding a place to park won't exactly be easy.

Who's playing the festival? Anyone I know?

If you're familiar with Barcelona's lineups, you already know what to expect. If not, take your chances and visit one of the most important music festivals in all of Portugal, featuring some of your future favourite artists. You don't really need to know everything about the lineup, as NOS Primavera Sound is also a festival for the whole family to chill out and have fun. But if music is your thing and you want to see something familiar, rest assured: most of the bands who're playing sing in english. All kinds of english: American (Death Grips), British (Aphex Twin), Scottish (Teenage Fanclub), Canadian (Japandroids), Australian (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)...

There are also artists to whom english is not their mother tongue, of course. Like Elza Soares, one of the greatest voices of all time when it comes to Brazil's samba, and who'll be playing songs from her latest album, A Mulher do Fim do Mundo, which became an anthem for many portuguese-speaking feminists. Portugal's very own Rodrigo Leão will also be playing, alongside Australia's Scott Matthew. And then there's Samuel Úria, who writes for Sapo 24 and is one of the greatest portuguese singer-songwriters of the “new generation”, and Evols and First Breath After Coma, two very talented rock bands who are looking to take over not only ours but your country as well. Check NOS Primavera Sound's schedules here.

Let's say I want to go to the festival. How much will it cost me?

Not as much as it costs us portuguese. Meaning, our minimum wage doesn't necessarily allow us to spend as much money on fun things as we want, contrary to what Mr. Jeroen Dijsselbloem might tell you... But to answer your question, you should know that there are no longer three-day passes available, and as such you'll have to try your luck on platforms such as Safe Marketplace, where you might be able to buy them from someone who's selling theirs for some reason. There are still daily tickets available, for 55€ (that's 48£, or 62$, or ¥ 6,787). You can buy them at any FNAC or Worten store. Then, take into account that you'll probably need to eat, and as such put aside some more 30€ per day, per person. If you're Irish, you'll also be doing a lot of drinking, so that's an extra 30€ (because you'll buy us a pint, right? Right...). And add to that whatever expenses you'll have from getting to the festival area, apart from those you'll have from renting a room in Oporto, either a hotel room (most expensive), hostel and/or Airbnb (least expensive), or under a bridge watching the starry sky (not expensive at all).

What's the audience like at Oporto's Primavera Sound?

Sometimes stereotypes are true. Portuguese people are generally quieter and shyer, but that does not mean we don't have our crazy moments or do not know how to rock. Every year, the festival attracts all types of people, from the indies to whole families, and both tend to record everything they see on their smartphones to upload it afterwards to Instagram or something. Just like anywhere else, to be quite honest. And, of course, it also attracts lots of foreigners, from the British and Irish (who are generally cool, and have I already mentioned you should buy us a pint?) to the Spanish (no one likes the Spanish. Not even the Spanish like the loud Spanish).

Should I dress up for the festival?

Since NOS Primavera Sound takes place on the very first days of June, it'll most likely feel like summer. Then again, if you hail from the northern parts of Europe, GB included, 20º Celsius probably feels like hell to you. Bring a t-shirt, sneakers, pants or short pants (or skirts, if you're a woman and/or Scottish) and a jacket for the night, if it gets cooler (is 12º Celsius hot or cold for you?). You won't have to cover your head, though, because as soon as you enter the festival some nice lads or laddies will give you a crown made entirely of flowers, because that's how Portugal treats foreigners – as if they're royalty. Aren't we great?

Are there any other activities I should know about?

There's an extremely fun one, but you'll have to be there early. It's called the “100-meter idiot dash”, and it features mostly young music fans who run and trample one another in order to get as closest to the stage as they can. It's always great to watch. And, of course, the festival's sponsors will be there in full force to offer you loads of goodies, such as the aforementioned crowns but also popcorn, free ice cream and tote bags which will be the proof you'll need for your friends to believe you were in Portugal. And you can also enjoy the Parque, or Park: the view is magnificent and weather should allow it.

I'm sold. Is there anything else I should know about?

As a matter of fact, there is! NOS Primavera Sound is not just those three days at the Parque da Cidade; the day before, there will be plenty of gigs and DJ sets from portuguese and foreign artists, spread out across the whole downtown. Jessy Lanza, DJ Lynce, Surma and DJ Kitten are a few of them, but entrance is limited to those who have a three-day pass. Each day, there will also be after parties at the Indústria club, starting from 2 a.m. on the 8th of June and from 4 a.m. on the 9th and 10th. Levon Vincent, one of the biggest names on house music right now, is playing ot the 10th. We want the party to last forever.