Throughout Portugal, the month of June bursts with celebration as the cities honor three beloved Popular Saints—St. Anthony, St. John, and St. Peter—with lively festivals that light up the summer nights.

In Lisbon, the highlight is the Festas de Lisboa, especially on June 12th and 13th in honor of St. Anthony. Porto becomes the center of excitement on the night of June 23rd, when residents gather to celebrate St. John. These vibrant street parties transform city neighborhoods into joyful hubs, decorated with arches, colorful streamers, balloons, and the distinctive scent of manjerico (sweet basil) in the air, and sardines

Lisbon – Santo António

Lisbon’s Avenida da Liberdade becomes a stage for neighborhood parades, showcasing traditional costumes, folk music, and enthusiastic crowds. The celebrations spill into historic areas like Alfama, Graça, Bica, Mouraria, and Madragoa, where people enjoy caldo verde (a traditional cabbage soup), and grilled sardines, and dance late into the night. On June 13th, the St. Anthony procession departs from the church near Lisbon Cathedral—marking the birthplace of the saint, believed to be born around 1193.

Porto: São João

In Porto, the festivities unfold in traditional districts such as Miragaia, Fontainhas, Ribeira, and Massarelos. Here, the customs are unique—revelers once gently tapped each other with leeks, a tradition now replaced by playful plastic hammers. A dazzling fireworks display over the Douro River marks midnight, while colorful hot air balloons float into the sky, creating an enchanting visual. Many continue the celebration until sunrise, with some greeting the dawn with a dip in the ocean.

São Pedro

St. Peter’s Day, on June 29th also brings festivities to various towns, including Afurada, close to Porto, Sintra, and Évora—both of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Évora stands out for commemorating not just one but two saints, hosting a centuries-old fair for St. John as well as marking St. Peter’s Day as a municipal holiday.

A common feature across all these events is the tradition of leaping over bonfires and exchanging pots of sweet basil adorned with short romantic poems—a charming nod to the solstice and ancient fertility customs that these summer festivals echo. Contact our team to learn more about Portugal and its ancient traditions.