If you think you’ve seen a good party, wait until you experience São João in Porto, the city’s wildest, happiest, and most colorful night of the year! Every June 23rd, Porto transforms into one giant street festival in honor of Saint John (São João) the Baptist, though you might forget the religious roots amid all the music, dancing, and joyful chaos.
The celebration dates back hundreds of years, blending ancient pagan traditions that celebrated the summer solstice with Catholic devotion. What makes it truly special, though, are the quirky customs that give São João its unmistakable charm: crowds gently (or not-so-gently) whacking each other on the head with plastic hammers, launching glowing paper lanterns into the sky, and sharing grilled sardines, roasted peppers, and plenty of local wine late into the night.
As midnight strikes, fireworks light up the Douro River, and the entire city from Ribeira’s riverside streets to the bridges above stops to watch the spectacle. But the night doesn’t end there; celebrations continue until dawn with music and dancing all throughout the city’s streets. São João isn’t just a festival. It’s Porto’s heart on full display: playful, warm, and full of life. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, joining the crowd under the summer sky feels like becoming part of something timeless and magical.
