SÃO JOÃO IN PORTO: A CELEBRATION FULL OF TRADITION

SÃO JOÃO IN PORTO: A CELEBRATION FULL OF TRADITION

If there's one night when Porto truly comes alive, it's the night of São João. From June 23rd to 24th, the city transforms into a massive open-air party filled with music, dancing, grilled sardines, sky lanterns, and of course, the famous toy hammers.

São João is the most beloved – and also the most fun – saint for the people of Porto. The celebration starts early and doesn’t end until the sun rises the next day. From Ribeira to Foz, everything becomes a reason to celebrate.

 

The origins of the celebration

The origins of São João blend pagan traditions with Christian beliefs. Long before saints were mentioned, this was a magical night marked by the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It was a time to celebrate nature, fertility, and abundance. Bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune.

Over time, under the influence of Catholicism, the celebration came to honor the birth of Saint John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24th. But the bonfires, rituals, and mystical aspects of the night remained. Today, all of this contributes to the unique charm of this celebration.

 

The magic of São João in Porto and its traditions

Anyone who experiences São João in Porto knows it’s a night they’ll never forget. The celebration often begins with a tasty grilled sardine sandwich in Fontainhas – a true ritual that brings locals and visitors together to whet their appetites and get into the festive spirit. Amid laughter and fun, people gently tap each other on the head with leeks or the famous plastic toy hammers, a playful gesture that symbolizes good luck.

At midnight, all eyes turn to the sky to watch the iconic fireworks show over the D. Luís Bridge, a breathtaking display of light and color.

The party continues with a lively walk from Ribeira to Foz, passing through Miragaia and other iconic spots in the city. Along the way, there are dances, music and the enchantment of paper balloons rising and lighting up the sky, creating a collective magic that only São João do Porto can provide.

And for the more resistant, the party doesn't end until the early hours of the morning, often next to the Castelo do Queijo, where you can still breathe in the vibrant energy of this unforgettable night.

 

Vila Foz Hotel & Spa: where the city meets the sea

After a night fully lived on the streets of Porto, there’s nothing better than being cradled by the Atlantic breeze and the peacefulness of Foz. At the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa, the pace slows down, the body rests, and the soul keeps dancing with the memories of a celebration only Porto knows how to deliver.

Here, between the sea and the city, São João takes on a new kind of charm: the calm that comes after the celebration.