If there’s one month when Portugal truly comes alive, it’s June. Streets burst with colourful flags and streamers, the unmistakable scent of grilled sardines fills the air, and everyone, locals, tourists, young and old, gathers to celebrate the Santos Populares.
1 When the saints come marching in
Santo António (Saint Anthony), São João (Saint John) and São Pedro (Saint Peter) are the official stars, but the real headliner is the sheer joy and sense of community that sweeps the country from north to south.
The party kicks off with Saint Anthony on 13 June. Known as the matchmaker saint (o santo casamenteiro), he’s not just Lisbon’s patron but also the one to pray to if you’re looking for love or hoping to tie the knot. Believe it or not, mass weddings still happen in Lisbon every year in his honour!
Next is Saint John, who is beloved by Porto, on 24 June. His celebration is famously quirky: people hit each other over the head with plastic hammers, jump over bonfires for good luck, and release floating paper lanterns into the night sky. Finally, Saint Peter shines on 29 June, especially cherished by fishing communities who honour him as their protector.
One of the most delightful parts of these festivals is the marchas populares: colourful parades where neighbourhood groups show off carefully rehearsed dances and songs, often dressed in dazzling costumes. In Lisbon, the main event happens on Avenida da Liberdade and is broadcast live across the country, a true highlight of the Saint Anthony festivities.
2 Succulent sardines
No June festival is complete without food. Sardines, grilled whole over open flames, are the undisputed queen of the menu. Typically served on a slice of bread, they are eaten with your hands and washed down with red wine or a cold beer. If sardines aren’t your thing, there’s always bifanas (juicy pork sandwiches), caldo verde (comforting green soup) and sweet treats like manjericos, tiny basil plants with cheeky little poems attached. Fun fact: locals say if you sniff the basil too hard, it dies – so be gentle when inhaling that aroma!
For me, these festivals are woven into my childhood. I grew up in Almada, just across the river from Lisbon, and every June the city transformed. The streets were filled with music, laughter, and that unmistakable smoky scent of sardines grilling on every corner. As kids, we roamed armed with plastic hammers, sneaking up on unsuspecting adults and darting away in fits of giggles. I can still picture my mum picking out the perfect manjerico at the market, whispering the poems to me on the way home.
The real magic came at night. We’d gather on a friend’s rooftop to watch fireworks light up the sky above the 25 de Abril Bridge, a shimmering spectacle that felt like pure joy. At the time, it was just part of summer; only later did I realise how much these traditions shaped my sense of belonging and love for life’s simple pleasures.
3 Algarve celebrations
While Lisbon and Porto are famous for their grand, boisterous celebrations, the Algarve has its own special way of embracing June. The parties here are often smaller but no less heartfelt – and sometimes more relaxed – blending northern traditions with the Algarve’s deep connection to the sea.
In towns like Olhão, Lagos and Portimão, you’ll find arraiais (street parties) with live music, sardine feasts and traditional dancing. Loulé and Albufeira often hold lively Saint Peter events, with maritime-themed parades and blessings of the fishing fleet.
What I love about the Algarve twist is the slower, more intimate feel – perfect if you’re new to these festivals and want to experience them in a laid-back way.
Where to join the fun in the Algarve
- Lagos: Famous for its Saint John’s parties, with beach bonfires and concerts
- Portimão: Don’t miss the Saint Peter festivals, especially the boat parades and fleet blessings
- Olhão: Head to the waterfront for a proper sardine feast and late-night dancing
- Loulé: Expect colourful parades and a big focus on local crafts and food
Even the tiniest villages often hold their own mini-festivals – if you hear music and laughter, follow the sounds and you’ll likely stumble upon a party.
For many foreigners living in Portugal, these June celebrations offer a perfect window into the country’s heart and soul. They’re noisy, joyful and, yes, they might leave you with a hangover, but they’re also a celebration of community, tradition and life’s simple pleasures.
So this June, grab a sardine, make a wish on a manjerico, and dive in. Whether you’re dancing in the streets of Lisbon or enjoying a mellow night in an Algarve fishing village, you’ll be part of something timeless – a celebration of life itself.
