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WHERE: Porto, Portugal
WHEN: 23 – 24 June 2024
History. Tradition. Culture. Gastronomy. If you want to attend one of the best events in Porto, you cannot miss the celebrations of San Giovanni, the patron saint of the city.
Every year, on the night between 23 and 24 June, thousands of Portuguese and visitors flock to the neighborhoods and main streets of the city to party, and pay homage to the Saint.
We eat and drink until late, celebrating according to tradition, and singing the inevitable “São João dá cá um balão“, a true hymn of the party. Only in this way can you be considered true foliãi!
Photo ©, Porto Convention & Visitor Bureau
You jump from bonfire to bonfire to show, as per tradition, your courage. You walk, eating hot sardines in the foil, accompanying them with the inevitable wine. And, of course, you hit your neighbor with a hammer (rubber, please).
And, at the end of the party, everyone by the sea to wait for dawn and take a dip in the ocean. This is the Sao Joao Festival.
PRACTICAL INFO
THE PLACES OF THE SAO JOAO FESTIVAL
The festival takes place in the main districts of the city: Ribeira, Miragaia, Fontainhas, Massarelos, and others.
Avenida Dos Aliados, one of the main arteries of the city, is the place par excellence of the Festival. Right here, in fact, the traditional parade that marks the Festival takes place.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
At the party we sing, dance, and have fun all night long.
To fully experience the event, you will need to know the customs of the place. “Hit or you will be hit” is one of them. Armed with colored rubber hammers, you can hit passers-by in the head, as tradition dictates.
Remember to taste the (boiling) sardines baked in foil and, above all, after dinner reach the Dom Luis I Bridge, an iconic place in the city, from which you can admire the fireworks display.
*The program, timetable and all information contained herein are for information purposes only and are not to be considered OFFICIAL.
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