Festas de São João in Porto: Traditions, Sardines, and Fireworks
June 20, 2024
A colorful balloon released during São João festivity, lighting up the night sky of Porto.
Published: June 2024 — Last Updated: June 2025
The liveliest night of the year in Porto
The month of June in Portugal is synonymous with the Popular Saints Festivals. Lisbon celebrates Santo António, Afurada honors São Pedro, and Porto comes alive with the vibrant Festas de São João, one of the country’s most beloved celebrations. Held on the night of June 23 to 24, São João blends religious tradition, pagan rituals, and joyful popular festivities.
Origins and Meaning of São João
The São João Festival in Porto is one of the city's most traditional and popular events. Its origins are tied to the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around June 24. It also coincides with the Catholic feast day of St. John the Baptist, one of Portugal’s most venerated saints. Originally religious, the festival has evolved to incorporate both Catholic and pre-Christian elements.
Popular Traditions: Hammers, Leeks, and Basil
One of the most playful nights of the year, June 23 to 24 sees locals and visitors roaming the streets with plastic hammers and wild leeks, gently tapping heads and brushing leeks for good luck and to ward off bad spirits.
Equally iconic are the manjericos – aromatic basil plants in clay pots, decorated with paper flags bearing humorous or romantic verses. These are given as tokens of affection and tradition.
Hot Air Balloons and Bonfires
At nightfall, hot air balloons rise over Porto, lighting up the sky in a magical display. Meanwhile, bonfires are lit across the city, symbolizing purification. It’s tradition to jump over the flames, a custom still followed by many.
Street “Rusgas” and Festive Parades
Colorful and rhythmic, the “rusgas” are informal street parades led by neighborhood groups in traditional costume. These groups dance, sing, and march through the city center, keeping the São João spirit alive into the early hours.
Food & Community: Grilled Sardines and Outdoor Feasting
Food is a central part of the festivities. The highlight? Grilled sardines on bread, served with broa de milho (cornbread). Add caldo verde soup and traditional sweets, and you have the perfect São João meal. Outdoor dinners and informal street banquets bring families and friends together throughout the night.
Fireworks: The Highlight of the Celebration
At midnight on June 24, the skies over Porto are set ablaze with a spectacular fireworks show, launched from both banks of the Douro River and from the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Many watch from hilltops, riverside spots, or even from boats — a truly unforgettable experience.
📌 And the next day… don’t miss the Rabelo Boats Regatta
On June 24th at 3:30 PM, the banks of the Douro come alive with the traditional Rabelo boats race, a tribute to the wine-making heritage of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
👉 Discover everything about the Rabelo Boats Regatta
São João Festival in Porto – 2025 Highlights
Main night: June 23 to 24, 2025, from 10 PM
Main Concerts:
• Casa da Música: Tio Jel, Ena Pá 2000, DJ Fernando Alvim
• Palácio de Cristal Gardens: Cláudia Pascoal, Ana Bacalhau, Equipa Turbó Baile
• Largo do Amor de Perdição: Herman José, Quim Barreiros, Pimbaú b2b, DJ Paulo
Neighborhood Arraiais (June 18–23 at 10 PM)
• Campanhã – Praça da Corujeira: Augusto Canário (18), Victor Rodrigues (20), Impecáveis Band (21), Almanova + Platina (23)
• Historic Center – Largo da Praia (Alfândega): Banda R (18), Bandalusa (20), Os Solitários (21), Osiv + Filipe Brás & Max (23)
• Massarelos – Cais das Pedras: Banda Mosaico (18), Fusiforme (20), Ivasom (21), Horiza + Hernâni & Sérgio (23)
• Lordelo do Ouro – Largo António Calém: Novo Século (18), Krystal Band (20), Mónica Sintra (21), Albatroz + Contakto (23)
• Paranhos – Casa do Salgueiros: Bandaneia (18), Novo Século (20), Diapasão (21), Alfanorte + Impakto (23)
• Ramalde – Jardim Sarah Afonso: Albatroz (18), Minhotos Marotos (20), Quadrante Norte (21), Banda R + Quadrante 5 (23)
• Bonfim – Alameda das Fontainhas: Delta 7 (18), José Pinhal PME (20), Iniciadores (21), Musikanto + Alma Latina (23)
• Aldoar/Foz/Nevogilde – Esplanada do Castelo: Banda R (18), Bandalusa (20), Os Solitários (21), Osiv + Filipe Brás & Max (23)
👉 Full schedule available soon on the Porto City Hall website
Spectacular fireworks display over Porto marking the peak of São João celebrations.
FAQs about São João in Porto
Who was St. John the Baptist?
A prophet and Catholic saint, cousin of Jesus Christ, known for baptizing people in the Jordan River.
Why do people use hammers and leeks?
They are symbols of fun and good fortune. Tapping with a hammer or brushing with a leek brings luck.
What is a manjerico and what does it symbolize?
A fragrant basil plant given with paper-flag verses, symbolizing love and friendship.
Can I watch the fireworks from a boat?
Yes! It’s one of the most popular and scenic ways to enjoy São João night.
Is the city very crowded?
Yes — it’s wise to arrive early, use public transport, and book accommodation in advance.
Celebrate São João with Unforgettable Experiences
With Cooltour Oporto, experience the magic of São João like a local:
• Boat trip on the Douro River in Porto
• Cultural and food tours before the party begins
• Sustainable experiences that reveal the authentic Porto