In Portugal, the month of June is a time to celebrate popular saints with religious and festive celebrations. Perhaps the largest, most fun and silliest festival can be found in Porto…the Festival of São João de Baptista. Activities include traditional to current musical concerts, boat races, parades, art exhibitions, and a giant fireworks spectacular.
Festa de São João do Porto has been celebrated in Porto for more than six centuries. Now a days, a full agenda of cultural programs are scheduled throughout June, but the height of celebration occurs on the evening of 23 June.
Many traditions are found in this festival. At neighborhood parties, it is common to see guests jumping traditional bonfires. In the city, revellers roam the streets hitting each other on the head with plastic hammers. In the window sills, potted basil plants are set out with traditional verses from Portuguese literature.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening occurs at midnight, when boats crowd the Douro River, and revelers pack the north and south banks to watch a spectacular fireworks display.