Festa de São João do Porto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Festa de São João do Porto |
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The Praça da Ribeira, in Porto, during São João
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| Also called | Festa de São João do Porto |
| Observed by | Porto |
| Type | Ethnographic, midsummer |
| Celebrations | competitions, bonfires, fireworks, feasting, decorations, national dress, sports |
| Date | June 23 |
| Next time | 23 June 2025 |
| Frequency | annual |
The Festa de São João do Porto is a super fun festival in the city of Porto, Portugal. Its name means "Festival of St John of Porto" in English. This special event happens every year on the night of June 23, which is also known as Saint John's Eve.
Thousands of people gather in the city center for this celebration. They come to honor Saint John the Baptist. The festival is a cool mix of old traditions and modern fun. It's a big party that brings everyone together!
Contents
History of the Festival
How Old is the São João Festival?
People in Porto have been celebrating this festival for a very long time. It has been a tradition for more than 600 years! That's a lot of history.
When Did it Become Important?
By the 1800s, the Festa de São João became the most important festival in Porto. It grew into the huge celebration we see today.
What Happens at the Festa de São João?
When Does the Party Start?
The party kicks off early in the afternoon on June 23. It usually keeps going all night long, right until the morning of June 24. Get ready for a late night!
Fun Traditions and Games
One unique tradition involves people gently tapping each other. They use either garlic flowers or soft plastic hammers. This fun custom comes from very old traditions.
Food, Music, and Fireworks
The night is full of exciting things to do. You can enjoy street concerts and dancing parties. Many people jump over small bonfires for good luck.
Food is a big part of the celebration! You can try delicious barbecued sardines. People also eat Caldo verde (a yummy green soup) and grilled meats.
At midnight, everyone takes a short break. They look up at the sky for an amazing firework show. These fireworks are often part of a cool multimedia display. The fireworks show is the official end of the main festivities.
Celebrating Until Sunrise
Even after the fireworks, many people in Porto keep celebrating. They walk from the riverside area, called Ribeira, all the way to the seaside in Foz. Some even go to the nearby town of Matosinhos. They wait there to watch the sunrise over the ocean. Sometimes, they even take a quick dip in the sea!
A Hidden Gem of Europe
In 2004, a journalist from The Guardian newspaper wrote about the festival. They said that Porto's Festa de São João is one of Europe's most lively street festivals. But, it was not very well known outside of Portugal. It's a true hidden gem!
See also
- Bonfires of Saint John
- Saint John's Eve
- Saint John's Day
