Celebrating Porto patron saint, São João

June is the month of São João [St John] in Porto. So long Primavera Sound, welcome São João, and the longest night in town.
 One night in Porto is not enough to celebrating São João. The party everyone in Porto and elsewhere is waiting for the whole year is just around the corner. 

Celebrations in the city have already began in the first weekend of June, and it will extend till the 24th June, the official day of São João and public holiday in town.

One can enjoy folklore singing and dancing at every corner, with lots of music and emotion marching through the city streets with joy and excitement, visit street markets, exhibits, attend workshops and take part in contests, festivals, regattas, and watch fireworks.

Everything is in place; the scent of basil is everywhere, amusements parks and other entertainments such as the Ferris wheel are set in Avenida da Boavista, and the most iconic streets of Porto are already alive with musicians and dancing, accompanied by roasted or fried sardines and grilled peppers.

Even with no balloons, there are rituals that endure and keep the tradition alive.
 

This year, two projects call on the community's engagement to celebrating Saint John.
There will be a community cascade of São João at the Bolhão Temporary Market. The opening is scheduled for June 22nd. 

The other project, themed "São João Street" involves the participation of traders, merchants, residents, tourists and general public alike to adorn and embellish a section of the street of Fernandes Tomás, next to Bolhão Temporary Market, with colourful traditional flags of São João, on 22nd June.

It is also time to outdoor dancing through the several parishes in Porto; after all, summer is the festival season.

See here the São João programming of the parishes in Porto.

The highlight will be on 22, 23 and 24 June, with the street march at Avenida dos Aliados. A parade of costumes, props, sets, music and choreography, with the participation of over 1.100 extras.

On the night of 23/24 June, the Concerts at the Avenida feature the most popular Portuguese music.
Do not forget to look to the sky and be delighted by the vibrant firework prepared by the City Hall. 

On June 24th, save the date for the traditional Concert of São João; the afternoon is booked for the Portuguese Symphonic Orchestra at the Aliados, at 5 pm, with the special contribution of the Clarinet Quartet of Lisbon.

See here the full programme of São João in Porto.