Celebrating “Santos Populares” at home? Follow these 4 Tips

Decorate, set up the sound system, and prepare the drinks. Follow these 4 tips to organize a party at home, and celebrate the “Santos Populares” in style.

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Mandriola

The month of June brings the start of the “Santos Populares” festivities. If this year you don’t feel like hanging out in the streets, you always have the option of bringing the festivities indoors. Get your friends together for an intimate celebration, and toast to the “Santos Populares”. Find out how to organize a party at home with these 4 tips:

1. Decorate your house in the best “Santos Populares” style

Any worthy “arraial” (Portuguese name for the “Santos Populares” festival) calls for a popular decoration to match! Whether it’s in the backyard, on the balcony, or in the living room, with the windows wide open to the outside, decorate any of these environments as tradition demands.

Take the opportunity to fill your window sills or the backyard walls with small potted basil plants (locally known as Manjericos), and banners with popular sayings that you can read during the party. And of course, don’t forget accessories like garlands, strings of yellow LED lights that give that special warm effect to any balcony or backyard, balloons, pom-poms, and ribbons.

The final touches are the decorative details on the table, where you can serve snacks and arrange bottles of the most Lisbon-y wine there is (did someone say Mandriola?), worthy of a toast with your guests. Use plates in the shape of sardines or Portuguese cabbage, colorful placemats and glass identifiers.

2. Feed your soul with traditional “Santos Populares” snacks

In any Portuguese home, during the Santos Populares celebrations, you can’t miss the best traditional snacks. If the party is outdoor, start by firing up the grill and season the sardines and bifanas. Grill it slowly, over a low flame, and use the coals to roast vegetables as well.

On the table, place generous bowls of fresh salad, baskets of bread, and many other delicacies such as the famous and crunchy chouriço assado (grilled pork sausage), Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish cakes), shrimp rissoles, croquettes, warm caldo verde, and stewed gizzards with tomato sauce.

If you prefer to have a party with a buffet meal, set up the buffet, with plates, cutlery, and glasses for everyone to help themselves. The good thing about buffets is that they allow all the guests to walk around the party in lively conversation while eating, and maybe even venture out for a little dance afterwards.

3. Choose traditional, danceable playlist

Don’t let your home party go without a good playlist, with lively musical selections, to listen to during the meal, or to open up the dance floor. Musical preferences may vary a lot among your friends, but one thing is for sure: the festivals of Santo António, São João and São Pedro call for traditional Portuguese music – to be consumed without moderation. Get inspired and create a collaborative playlist, where each person can enter their favorites. If you don’t have time for that, use existing “Santos Populares” playlists.

4. Toast the “Santos Populares” with Mandriola

“Santos Populares” festivals call for a good drink to go along with lazy conversation, tasty meals, and unforgettable moments of dancing.

To toast and to pair with the beautiful sardine with bell pepper salad, or the smoky and tender “bifana” on bread with “caldo verde”, nothing better than simple, chilled and tasty wine selection. For friends who prefer the aroma of tradition, the Mandriola red wine is the perfect match for salty snacks, grilled meats and spicier recipes. In the fridge, fill the shelves with refreshing bottles of Mandriola white wine, keep’ em ready for those unexpected toasts and it’s an excellent option to pair with grilled sardines and lighter snacks.

This year, celebrate Santos Populares festivities in the best place and in the best company, and toast to good weather and long nights!