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Santos Populares in Oporto

June is the month of festivities and celebrations for the Popular Saints. All the country celebrates the nights of St. Anthony, St. John, and St. Peter. The main ones are St. John’s Day in Oporto on the night of 23/24th of June and the Festas de Lisboa, on the 12th and 13th of June, St. Anthony’s day.

Back to the past

St. John in Porto takes place on the night of the 23rd to the 24th of June, and has always been a Catholic festival in which the birth of São João Batista is celebrated. The festival has been celebrated since the 19th century XIV, with no records of previous years, but believing that it may be even older.

St. John is not the patron saint of Porto, but he is undoubtedly the most cherished and celebrated by all the people from Porto, who all go out on the street to celebrate the longest night in the city!

Celebrating in Oporto

Differently from Lisbon, further north in Oporto, the Popular Saints are celebrated on the 23rd and 24th of June.

The traditions are slightly different and don’t get worried if someone hits you on your head with a “hammer” if you are in the middle of the crowd. However, the most important happens at midnight when an amazing firework show starts over Douro river, and balloons with hot air are released along the Ribeira, which is one of the most beautiful celebrations of Popular Saints.

All the historical centres are decorated with colourful banners, traditional food is found everywhere, and happiness is felt all around the city. Music and famous choreographies are registered marks as well. Don’t be afraid to join the locals and follow the steps of the dance.

Join the tradition, celebrate this incredible holiday with your friends, and attend one of the parties which happen in almost every neighbourhood. From the calmest places to the crowded streets.

Festivities in Lisbon

If you are in Lisbon or at least planning to go there, the city is also a place for exciting events for the Popular Saints. Check out our last article about this holiday there!

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