Santos Populares season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for those who enjoy festivities, socializing, and good food. While these celebrations take place throughout the country, the most renowned parties occur in the major cities of Lisbon and Porto. From Santo António to São Pedro and São João, there are traditions that are never forgotten.
To help you make the most of this joyful time, we have compiled a list of tips and traditions that will enhance your Santos Populares experience:
*Source: Canva
Get your outfit ready: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Santos Populares by donning traditional attire. For women, colourful dresses and flowered headpieces are common, while men can opt for checked shirts and straw hats. Embrace the festive atmosphere and feel like a true local!
Attend the Marchas Populares: Marchas Populares are one of the highlights of Santos Populares. These colourful parades showcase local communities, representing their neighbourhood through music, dance, and costumes.
Join the Street Festivities: Santos Populares are celebrated with street festivities known as arraiais. These lively gatherings occur in various neighbourhoods and feature traditional music, dancing, and delicious food!
Try the typical dishes: No celebration is complete without enjoying the traditional dishes. During the Santos Populares, be sure to try the sardines, caldo verde (a traditional soup), bifanas (pork sandwiches) and the famous Pão com chouriço.
Watch the fireworks: Fireworks are an integral part of Santos Populares, lighting up the night sky and adding to the festive atmosphere. Find a good vantage point early and get ready for the show!
Participate in Traditional Games: Get involved in the traditions of the Santos Populares by taking part in traditional games. From hammering to the lucky balloon, these interactive activities add an element of fun and excitement to the festivities.
I hope that these tips have inspired you to dive into the adventure of Santos Populares, create memories and get closer to the Portuguese culture, believe me after a day of Santos Populares you will feel like an authentic Portuguese, or as we say in Portugal the real "Tuga”.
If you have any questions about Santos Populares, find out more in the following blog post, June in Feast: Popular Saints or you can always talk about this discussion topic (insert here discussion topic). You are free to ask questions, tell us about your experience or even find out if anyone from the Portuguese community is going this month to this festivity!
See you,