There is no way to talk about summer nights in Porto without thinking about the mythical night of São João!

Sardines, music, fireworks and lots of animation are the key ingredients of this celebration that drags crowds to the streets of the city of Porto, infecting all who pass by.

The Festas de São João are today one of the most important events in the city, conquering both Portuguese and tourists with its unique characteristics, quality and diversity of its programming.

Get to know 5 traditions of this magical night that you can’t miss:

1. Sardines and Street Festivities

As tradition dictates, sardines are grilled in every corner of the city and everywhere there is music.

Besides the grilled sardines, on Saint John’s night it is traditional to eat “caldo verde”, bell pepper salad and finish the meal with Saint John’s cake, all accompanied by a good Port Wine, of course!

The festive and welcoming spirit makes anyone feel at home and no one is left out of this party!

Sardinhas São João no Porto

2. Hammers, Leeks and Basil

Plastic hammers are one of the main games of São João. On this night, the way to greet people is by giving little hammers on their heads, whether they are known or complete strangers.

Besides hammers, leek stems are also used to pass in people’s faces, sparking banter and real friendly “battles”.

The aromatic herbs such as leeks and basil represent wishes for health, good luck, and fortune. Tradition has it that the basil is offered along with a traditional song alluding to St. John’s Day.

In the streets you can find countless people selling both the little hammers and these aromatic herbs!

Martelo São João do Porto

3. Street Fires

In the streets the people light St. John’s bonfires and jump over them, symbolizing courage and belief in the purifying qualities of fire, whether in health, or in marriage!

Arraial São João no Porto

4. Saint John’s balloon

The traditional Saint John balloons, made of paper and in various colors, decorate all the streets, neighborhoods, cafes and restaurants in the city. The larger balloons are launched into the open air, painting the sky with hundreds of points of light in a true spectacle.

The churches are also adorned with impressive altars in honor of this popular saint. In the streets are represented the cascades, a tradition that portrays, in miniature, habits and traditions from other times and places in the city, with clay figures.

Balão de São João

5. Fireworks over the Douro River

At 00:00 the highlight of the party is the fireworks launched over the Douro River in a unique show.

There are those who gather in the city streets, from the Ribeira to the Gaia Pier, those who enjoy it from the top of their balconies and terraces (the truly privileged) and those who watch this show aboard boats that are spread across the Douro River.

Fogo de Artifício sobre o Rio Douro

The party only ends at dawn and the most resistant ones end the night walking along the waterfront, from Ribeira to Foz do Douro, where they wait for the sunrise.

If you still don’t have plans for the night of June 23rd, the night of São João is waiting for you!

If you are looking for accommodation, check out the many options we have in the city center

On this night we’ll give you a pack of beers and a real “Saint John” kit: little hammers and a Saint John balloon!

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