June has arrived and with it the long-awaited Santos Populares festivals are back. This is one of the most emblematic traditions of Portuguese culture, bringing together thousands of people at street parties filled with popular music, colour and food.
The Santos Populares are traditional festivities celebrated in Portugal in honour of three Catholic saints: Saint Anthony, on 13 June; Saint John, on 24 June; and Saint Peter, on 29 June.
Although celebrations are held all over the country, some cities stand out for the scale of their street parties, each placing special emphasis on one of the saints. In Lisbon, the festivities are mainly dedicated to Saint Anthony, the favourite saint of Lisbon locals.
It is also a festival that cuts across generations, with traditions passed down from parents to children and kept alive over time.
“It’s a time of celebration, happiness and lots of socialising. Speaking for myself, but also for people I know, we talk about the Santos Populares all year round,” Leonardo Bordonhos told Euronews.
