Livin’ La Vida Santos: explore exciting festivities in Portugal

In countries worldwide, some festivities are renowned for their grandiosity, tradition, or uniqueness. Like Carnival in Brazil and Diwali in India, for example. Portugal proudly stands among them. Despite being a small country, its celebrations are nothing short of spectacular! Have you ever heard of “Santos Populares” (Popular Saints)? Every year in June, people come together to honor its beloved patron saints – Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter – in a celebration that showcases the nation’s boundless energy and passion for its cultural traditions.

Each saint has a day of celebration – Saint Anthony is celebrated on June 13, Saint John on June 24, and Saint Peter on June 29, but in the days leading up to them, small festivities are held in various cities across the country. The streets, squares, and alleys are adorned with beautiful arches, colorful balloons, and ‘manjericos’ (an aromatic plant), creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, dance, and traditional food. We can say that the Santos Populares celebrations offer a glimpse into the soul of the country, as they showcase the Portuguese people’s boundless enthusiasm for life.

In Lisbon, the main event during the festivities happens on June 12th-13th for Saint Anthony’s Day. Each neighborhood showcases a popular march along Avenida da Liberdade, displaying unique costumes, songs, and dances reflecting their identity. Porto stands out for Saint John’s celebration on June 23rd-24th, featuring unique traditions like playfully tapping each other’s heads with plastic hammers – yes, you read that right! – and releasing illuminated paper balloons into the sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Saint Peter’s celebrations in places like Évora and Sintra, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer lively events with folk dance groups, religious processions and live music. Residents and visitors come together to honor the patron saint, celebrating Portuguese culture with joy and devotion.

Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in this truly unique experience – come for the ‘Santos Populares’ and witness Portugal at its most vibrant and enchanting!