Summer Nights to Remember in Lisbon and Porto with the Santos Populares Festivals 🎇

Newsletter #12

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📌 The Santos Populares Festivals:

Santo António in Lisbon

and

São João in Porto

Unforgettable Summer Nights in Lisbon and Porto: Revel in Midsummer Festivals, Fireworks and Feasts!

Dive into the heart of Lisbon and Porto, let the music guide you, the flavors enchant you and the locals teach you what it means to celebrate!

Be a part of something new on the vibrant streets of Lisbon and under the starlit skies of Porto during their captivating Summer Festivals!

Prepare to immerse yourself in Summer nights filled with wonder, where each moment adds a rich layer to your unfolding journey like never before!

🎊 Festivities in Lisbon: Santo António’s Festival:

A Night Illuminated by Decorations and Festive Adornments

The Festa de Santo António (Santo António’s Festival), is a vibrant and joyous popular festival held annually on the night of June 12th, spilling into the 13th, the feast day of Santo António de Pádua (Saint Anthony of Padua), who is also known as the patron saint of lovers and the city of Lisbon. He is fondly remembered for his dedication to the poor and needy.

The Festival is famed for its lively street parties, colorful parades and traditional music that fills the neighborhoods, where the narrow streets come alive with decorations and locals set up makeshift stalls to sell Sardinhas (Sardines) and Caldo Verde (Kale Soup).

One of the most distinctive features of the Festival is the tradition of mass marriages known as Casamentos de Santo António (Santo António’s Weddings), where selected couples are married simultaneously in a large, communal ceremony.

The Marchas de Santo António (Santo António’s Marches), also known as the Marchas Populares (Popular Marches), are one of the highlights of the Festival.

These are festive parades that take place on the evening of June 12th, serving as a tribute to Saint Anthony.

Each neighborhood in the city prepares and performs a choreographed march, which is specially decorated for the occasion.

The participants in the marches wear colorful, themed costumes and perform dances and songs that have been meticulously rehearsed over the preceding months.

Each neighborhood competes against the others, with their performances judged on creativity, historical accuracy and enthusiasm. The themes often reflect Lisbon's history, folklore and cultural traditions.

The entire city is ornamented with festive decorations, including arches of lights and Vasos de Manjerico (Pots of Basil Bush), adorned with a small paper flag or carnation that includes a popular rhyme.

They are not only used as decorative items but also carry a cultural significance as tokens of affection and good luck.

The atmosphere is one of communal joy and celebration, with everyone from young children to the elderly participating in the festivities.

The sounds of folk music and Fado singers provide a melodic backdrop to the laughter and conversations that echo through the streets.

The festival not only honors Saint Anthony but also celebrates the community spirit and cultural heritage of Lisbon.

🎉 Festivities in Porto: São João's Festival:

Join the Parade of Joy and Color and Experience a Magical Display of

Fireworks

The Festa de São João do Porto (São João of Porto Festival), is one of Portugal's most exuberant and lively celebrations, held annually on the night of June 23rd and into the early hours of June 24th.

This festival is dedicated to São João Batista (Saint John the Baptist) and is known for its communal spirit, characterized by joyous street parties, traditional music and an abundance of food and drink.

During the Festival, the streets transform into a dynamic tapestry of colors, sounds and energy, where thousands of locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate.

One of the most iconic traditions of São João is the playful hitting of passersby on the head with Martelo de São João (typical São João hammer, which is soft and made of plastic) or Alho Porro (Leek Stalks), which is done in good spirit and adds a unique touch to the festivities. The Alho Porro is traditionally known as a protection against envy and the evil-eye.

As night falls, the sky lights up with Fireworks, particularly stunning along the Douro River, creating a spectacular backdrop for the revelries.

Another highlight is the releasing of Balões de São João (São João Balloons- illuminated flame-propelled balloons) into the night sky, which creates a magical atmosphere.

Just like in Santo António’s Festival, Manjericos are adorning the city of Porto and Sardines are the star of the Festival.

The sardines are grilled over the charcoal and served up on bread or on a plate accompanied by a salad of bell peppers and a generous helping of wine.

Stalls and pop-up eateries also serve Caldo Verde (Kale Soup), Broa (Local Cornbread) and various pork dishes, like Bifanas (Portuguese Pork Sandwiches).

Music and dance play a continuous role throughout the evening, with stages set up in various locations around the city, showcasing live bands and folk performances.

The entire event is a profound communal gathering that honors both the Saint and the indomitable spirit of the city of Porto, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone who participates.

As part of the São João festivities, the iconic Regata dos Barcos Rabelo (Barcos Rabelo Regatta), held on June 24th, adds a thrilling spectacle to the Douro River.

These traditional boats, once used to transport Port Wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, race along the river, showcasing a piece of Porto’s maritime heritage.

This regatta not only offers a picturesque view against the backdrop of Porto’s scenic riverbanks but also connects the festivities on land with the city’s historic ties to the river and the wine trade.

It’s a must-see event that complements the vibrant atmosphere of the night markets and the festive spirit of the city.

Fascinating Facts- Marly Explains:

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💌 Return next week as our newsletter takes you to another captivating location in Portugal, to explore its unique culture and storied heritage.

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