The Festa de São João (Festival of Saint John) is an annual celebration held in Porto, Portugal, in honor of Saint John the Baptist. The festival, which takes place in June, is one of the most vibrant and popular events in Portugal, featuring street parties, music, dancing, and fireworks. A unique tradition of the festival is the hitting of people's heads with plastic hammers, as a playful gesture of celebration. The Festa de São João also includes barbecues, with grilled sardines being a local favorite, and the release of sky lanterns into the night sky, creating a stunning visual display. It is a joyful and lively celebration of local culture, community spirit, and tradition.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Porto or a Portugal route—we’ll plan midnight fireworks, sardine grills & street parties, playful martelinhos & basil traditions, and a walkable stay along the Ribeira/Douro.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro call.
DATES & TIMES
• Main night: Tuesday, 23 June 2026 (celebrations run across June; the big night is 23→24 June). Event overview.
• Midnight fireworks: A pyromusical show over the Douro around 00:00 (exact format & viewing zones announced annually). Recent format.
• Next day: Traditional Regata dos Barcos Rabelos on 24 June (afternoon). About the regatta.
LOCATION
• Where: Historic center of Porto and riverfronts of Porto & Vila Nova de Gaia (Ribeira, Cais de Gaia, Jardim do Morro).
• Open in Google Maps (Jardim do Morro viewpoint).
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free public event (no tickets required). Some river cruises/terraces offer paid viewpoints by reservation. Learn more.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Traditions: Martelinhos (soft plastic hammers), grilled sardines & caldo verde, and the aromatic manjerico (basil) with paper verses. Visit Porto.
• Getting around: Metro do Porto & STCP buses run an overnight special service on 23→24 June (reinforced frequency and capacity).
• Lanterns: The release of balões de São João is allowed only in an authorised window set each year by ANAC (e.g., ~21:45–01:00 in 2025). See guidance.
• Viewing tips: Popular fireworks spots include Ribeira, Jardim do Morro and Cais de Gaia; arrive early and use public transport. Local tips.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a Portugal route that includes Festa de São João at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.