Santos Populares
Popular Saints’ Festivals are vibrant, month-long celebrations held across Portugal in June, honoring three Catholic saints:
Santo António (St. Anthony, June 13), São João (St. John, June 24), and São Pedro (St. Peter, June 29). Rooted in pagan summer solstice traditions, these festivities blend religious reverence with street parties, music, food, and communal joy.
Pagan Roots: Originally tied to pre-Christian solstice rituals celebrating fertility and harvest, later Christianized to honor the saints.
Lisbon (Santo António)
During the whole month of June, Lisbon as a vibrant atmosphere. Music, food and dance in every corner.
The Peak festivities on June 12–13 (St. Anthony’s Eve/Day) where Lisbon doesn’t stop. Starting from the early morning until the next morning, Lisbon is actually full of people all around the city!
What to know:
- Marchas Populares: A dazzling parade on Avenida da Liberdade, where neighborhoods compete with themed costumes and dances.
- Casamentos de Santo António: 16 couples wed in a mass ceremony at Sé Cathedral, sponsored by the city.
- Street Parties (Arraiais): Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Mouraria come alive with grilled sardines, pimba music, and dancing until dawn
- Pimba music: it’s the typical music. You will have the opportunity to listen to that!
Arraiais (Street Festivals)
In Lisbon, especially during the “Féstas de Santo Antonio”, you will encounter a lot of “arraiais”, street festivals that take place in various neighborhoods. These small festivals are often in honor of saints or local traditions, featuring music, dancing, food stalls, and outdoor celebrations. They are especially popular in areas like Alfama, Graça, Mouraria.
Some of the most attended by young peoples:
Arraial organized by Renovar a Mouraria
Arraial organized by Associação Regador
Arraial organized by Amor Records
Arraial organized at Mercado de Sapadores organized by Junta de Freguesia da Penha da França
Arraial at Alfama district
Arraial at Santos
Gastronomy during Santos Populares
During Lisbon’s Santos Populares (Sardine Festival), the streets are filled with the aroma and taste of grilled sardines, alongside other traditional Portuguese dishes like caldo verde (kale soup) and bifanas (pork sandwiches).
Here’s a more detailed look at the food scene during Santos Populares:
Grilled Sardines:
The undisputed star of the festival, grilled sardines are a must-try, often served with a slice of bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Caldo Verde:
This iconic Portuguese soup, made with potatoes and kale, is a popular side dish or snack during the festivities.
Bifanas:
These delicious pork sandwiches, marinated and served in a crusty roll, are another popular street food option.
Chouriço:
Grilled chouriço, a traditional Portuguese sausage, is also a common sight during the festival.
Other Traditional Dishes:
You might also find other Portuguese specialties like Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with fried potatoes and onions), Pastel de Natas (custard tarts), and Bolo de Bolacha (a biscuit cake).
Drinks:
Don’t forget to enjoy some refreshing drinks like sangria, beer, and ginja (cherry liqueur).
Festa de São João (Saint John) and
Kola San Jon
The feasts of São João, of pagan origin and associated with the celebration of the summer solstice, are marked by dancing, eating and fireworks are celebrated on the 24rd of June.
It honors Saint John the Baptist and is also associated with the summer solstice, a time to celebrate nature and the harvests.
This is a festivity also brought from Cabo Verde to celebrate the 24th of June, the day of Saint John and it’s mixing religious tradition and traditional rythm and music from Cabo Verde.
It’s specifically celebrated in the neighborhood Cova da Moura, in the Amadora area, where there is a big percentage of people with origins from Cabo Verde.
This festivity is part of Immaterial Cultural Patrimony of Portugal and it represents cultural inheritage.
You can follow the association Bazofo & Dentu Zona for the celebration.
For more information about this festivity: Essay about Kola San John
