As June winds down, Porto shakes off its regular rhythm and transforms into a bustling city of light and laughter for Festa de São João, or St. John Festival. What begins as a centuries-old midsummer tribute is now one of the most joyful festivals in Porto, forming part of the Santos Populares festivals in Portugal. From the crackle of bonfires to colourful balloons and impromptu dance circles, São João is the sort of festival that leaves its mark. To really join in the fun at Porto's biggest festival, be ready to tap someone with a plastic hammer and take a leap over a midnight bonfire.
Why is São João celebrated?
São João Festival honours Saint John the Baptist, an iconic figure in Catholic and local tradition. However, it’s just as much a midsummer bash as a religious event. The party grew from old Pagan solstice rituals and neighbourhood gatherings into the city-wide phenomenon you see today—spilling over with quirky customs, street parties, and good-natured chaos until sunrise.
São João party: where and when
The festival peaks on the night of 23rd June, but Porto feels the buzz for weeks before and after. The city’s central quarters—Ribeira, Miragaia, Fontainhas, and Massarelos—are decked with balloons, colourful streamers, and food stalls. Avenida dos Aliados hosts lively parades, while the riverbanks fill up for the city’s legendary midnight show. Thank goodness, the 24th June is a public holiday in Porto, so there's time to recover from the night before.
What to do during São João Festival 2025
- Hammer or get hammered: one of the festival’s best-loved quirks is walking the streets with a plastic hammer, playfully tapping heads with friends and strangers. Years ago, people used leeks—but the modern, squeaky hammer has become a São João staple.
- Eat a traditional meal: kick things off like a local with grilled sardines (straight off the barbecue and served on rustic bread), peppers, and crisp salads. Restaurants fill up, so book ahead or just dive into a street stand—this is the most authentic way to eat during the festival.
- Sing along: the city comes alive with music, and a true “folião” (reveller) knows to join in on classic festival tunes like “São João dá cá um balão.”
- Jump a bonfire: bonfires blaze across the city, with the bravest leaping over them for luck and courage. If you fancy joining in, stick with the small, safe neighbourhood fires and mind local advice.
- Admire the 'cascatas': you’ll spot miniature displays known as “cascatas” in tribute to São João. These elaborate scenes are created with moss, stones, and figurines depicting rural life, saints, and festival traditions.
- Party ‘til sunrise and take a dip: São João is an all-nighter. As dawn breaks, many festival-goers keep tradition alive by heading to the beach for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.
São João Festival: special events
Rabelo Regatta on the 24th
Traditional rabelo boats, once responsible for transporting port wine down the Douro River, race from Foz to Ribeira in a colourful spectacle that draws crowds along the riverbanks.
Official concerts
Throughout the festival period, open-air concerts take place in public squares like Avenida dos Aliados and Jardim do Morro. These shows bring together local artists and big Portuguese names.
Parades
Various neighbourhood parades, or rusgas de São João, fill the streets with music, dancing, and costumed performers. The opening parade in Avenida dos Aliados is a particular highlight and an ideal way to soak up the community spirit.
Midnight fireworks
The iconic fireworks display over the Douro River is the heart of São João night. Lasting around 15–20 minutes, the show lights up the sky and reflects off the water, with the best views from the riverfront districts, the Dom Luís I Bridge, or Jardim do Morro.
São João Festival: tickets
Most São João events are free and open to all—there’s no need for tickets to join the street parties, watch the fireworks, or enjoy the city’s open-air concerts. Some private terraces, boat parties, or concerts may sell out early, so if you want VIP views or a special rooftop experience, check the Porto festival June listings for advance booking.
Tips for enjoying São João Festival
- Arrive early for prime fireworks viewing.
- Consider public transport: metro and buses run late, but expect big crowds—consider staying walking distance from the action.
- Bring cash: many street vendors are old-school.
- Look after your group: Porto’s old streets are charming but can be hilly and packed, so have a meet-up point if you get split up.
Explore more in Porto
When the party winds down, the city still has plenty to offer beyond the grilled sardines. Check out landmarks like the Dom Luís I Bridge, hop on the Teleférico de Gaia (cable car), visit Porto’s Cathedral or the iconic Clérigos Church. And, of course, don’t miss sampling local port wine at the renowned cellars along the river.
If you're thinking of living in Porto, checking out the June festivities could be a good way to get a taste for the local culture. And if you're sticking around a little longer, head to one of Portugal's top music festivals for 2025.