Santo António, São João and São Pedro: what you can’t miss during these Festivities

After two years without celebrations, “Santos Populares” festivities are finally here. Find out the best way to celebrate Santo António, São João and São Pedro in the best company.

Written by

Mandriola

The smell of grilled sardines in the air, the popular music filling the atmosphere, and big smiles everywhere you look. After two years, the time has finally come to go back to paint the town with friends and family during Santo António, São João, and São Pedro. Join the celebrations and toast to the happiness of bringing the street the spirit of tradition again.

1. Santo António 2022

When: night of June 12^th to June 13^th.

Where: In the traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon, such as Alfama, Graça, Bica, Mouraria, Bairro Alto or Madragoa.

The Santo António Festivities start at the end of May and last until the end of June, with the highlight being the night from the 12th to the 13th of June. During these weeks the most traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon, such as Alfama, Graça, Bica, Mouraria, Bairro Alto, or Madragoa are filled with color, decorated with arches, colorful balloons, and basil pots known as Manjericos.

Dress up for the celebrations and walk through these neighborhoods, always in the best company. Dance on the made-up stages of each arrayal (local street parties), or enjoy a delicious local delicacy in tascas (taverns) or in the roulottes set up along the narrow streets of the city. Delight yourself with the various petiscos (Portuguese version of tapas) on offer, from the typical grilled sardines, bifana on bread, chouriço assado (grilled pork sausage) to the famous caldo verde. To go with it, nothing better than ordering a refreshing white wine Mandriola or, for lovers of fuller and more aromatic flavors, the elegant red Mandriola.

2. São João 2022

When: night of June 23^rd to June 24^th.

Where: in the center of Porto, in the lively streets and alleys of Massarelos, Ribeira, and Miragaia.

The following week the festivities to honor São João Batista begin in the city of Oporto. If in the old days the tradition was to greet people with wilting leeks, today the famous plastic hammers are used. You can find local street parties and taverns with the best snacks and stop off to celebrate.

What is the best place to enjoy São João in Oporto? The party is guaranteed in neighborhoods like Miragaia, Fontainhas, Massarelos, and, of course, the Ribeira area. The night from June 23rd to 24^th ends here with a beautiful firework show that is launched at midnight on the Douro River. Toast with the best wine during the Santos Populares festivities: the Mandriola, the adventurous soul drink that loves to hang out in the streets of the cities.

3. 2022 São Pedro Festivities

When: night of June 29^th to June 30^th.

Where: in the typical streets of Sintra and Évora.

The São Pedro festivities take place at the end of June, with the night of June 29 as the main date to commemorate the festivities of this saint patron. Among the various villages that celebrate this date, Sintra and Évora stand out. There is something for everyone – from trips with the family, during a weekend afternoon, to parties and festivals to celebrate the night with friends. Among special corners and beautiful century-old streets, here you will find festivals and party venues where there is no lack of options for eating and dancing. And of course, take advantage of timeless traditions like jumping over the bonfire or offering small basil pots (locally known as Manjericos) to your sweetheart.

From the Santo António festivities in Lisbon to the São João celebrations in Oporto, without forgetting the São Pedro traditions, all of Portugal is partying during this time of the year. Celebrate the return of the Santos Populares festivals and take your Mandriola spirit for a walk through the streets of these cities, in good company, with a glass of Mandriola wine always at hand to toast.