Festival of St John of Porto, Portugal

Festa de São João do Porto

Get ready to party like a true Portuense at the Festa de São João do Porto, where the city of Porto explodes into a kaleidoscope of fun, food, and fireworks on the night of June 23rd. This is not your typical summer celebration—imagine a centuries-old tradition where sacred meets the downright zany. Picture this: thousands of locals and visitors flooding the streets armed with plastic hammers and garlic flowers, playfully bopping each other on the head. Yes, you read that right. It’s all part of the festive charm that makes this night unforgettable!

As the evening rolls on, the air fills with the mouthwatering scent of barbecued sardines and “Caldo Verde,” a traditional Portuguese soup. And don’t forget the wine—it flows as freely as the laughter. Street concerts and dancing parties keep the vibe alive, while daredevils leap over bonfires, embracing the pagan roots of this eclectic festival. When the clock strikes midnight, everyone pauses to gaze at the sky as a dazzling firework show lights up the night—a spectacle that embodies a tribute to the sun and the mingling of old Christian and pagan customs.

But wait, the party doesn’t end there! After the fireworks, the revelry continues as people make their way from the historic Ribeira district to the shores of the Atlantic in Foz do Douro or Matosinhos, waiting for the sunrise. For the bold, a dip in the ocean is the perfect way to cap off the night. Whether you’re a local or a curious traveler, the Festa de São João do Porto promises an electrifying night you’ll be talking about for years. Don’t miss out on one of Europe’s liveliest (and most delicious) street festivals!