June is the month of the Popular Saints in Portugal, with three major celebrations: Santo António in Lisbon, São João in Porto and São Pedro in cities like Sintra and Évora. Since their origins, these festivals have marked the arrival of summer, filling the streets with colour, music and lots of entertainment. In Lisbon, the city is transformed into a huge festival, and the festivities reach their peak on the night of 12-13 June, when the neighbourhoods come alive with music, dancing and, of course, the irresistible smell of grilled sardines in the air.
The Popular Saints in Lisbon are an important landmark for the city. Attracting many tourists who want to experience Portuguese festive culture. To make the most of this unique evening, we’ve put together five essential tips that will make all the difference to your experience. LovelyStay will show you everything you need to know to celebrate in the best way!
Daytime activities in Lisbon
To make the most of the Popular Saints in Lisbon, start the day by exploring the city and its most emblematic sights. From the viewpoints with breathtaking views to the historic streets teeming with life. Don’t miss our top 5 tips for day trips in Lisbon with LovelyStay.
Nightlife in Lisbon
At this time of year, the city takes on a new life when night falls. From traditional festivals to lively bars, there are countless options for eating, dancing and living the Popular Saints spirit to the full in Lisbon!
Festivals
If you like popular festivals, all you have to do is go out and explore the city: you’ll come across countless festive neighbourhoods and streets full of people celebrating the Popular Saints in Lisbon. LovelyStay recommends:
- Alfama
- Mouraria
- Graça
- Bica
- Bairro Alto
- Madragoa
What to eat
During Popular Saints in Lisbon, the gastronomy takes on an even more authentic flavour. Start with the traditional caldo verde, a typical soup from the north of Portugal that quickly won over the taste buds of all the Portuguese, prepared with cabbage and served with chorizo. And speaking of it, you can’t miss the famous roast chorizo, a must at any popular festival.
For the main course, the grilled sardines are the most popular. It is said that they began to make a name for themselves in Lisbon around 1940 and quickly spread to the north of the country.
If you’re not a fan of fish, the “bifana” on bread is another typical star of Portuguese taverns.
To accompany your meal, choose between beer, wine or a ginjinha. This way, you can enjoy the festive spirit of Popular Saints to the full!
Popular Marches
After dinner, head to Avenida da Liberdade to watch the highlight of the evening: the Popular Marches. This tradition, which dates back to the 1930s, brings together groups from different Lisbon neighbourhoods to parade down the city’s most iconic avenue, offering a unique spectacle and showcasing a bit of Portuguese culture.
Watch a short video of the marches on Popular Saints in Lisbon in 2024!
Where to stay
If you want to experience the magic of Popular Saints in Lisbon, don’t leave your stay to the last minute! With LovelyStay, we guarantee you the best accommodation, equipped with everything you need for a perfect stay, and strategically located so that you’re in the heart of the festivities in complete comfort.
