June has just arrived! And with it comes the first dives, the warm nights, the parties and the celebrations of the Popular Saints.
The smell of roasted sardines and the aroma of the basil invades the streets of Lisbon, now adorned with colorful ribbons and paper balloons.
The habitants of the typical neighborhoods rehearse their marches to the sound of popular music. And the bride and groom of Santo António are eagerly waiting for the big day.
Don’t miss out on this festive season, which fills every corner of the city with excitement and brings together thousands of people. We tell you everything you need to know.
The tradition of Santo António marriages
Legend has it that Santo António was known as a matchmaker, or saint of love, because he helped humble women to obtain a dowry and a trousseau for their marriage.
Based on this belief, in 1958, the former newspaper Diário Popular sponsored 26 marriages with the goal of making it possible for couples with bigger financial difficulties to get married.
The tradition was interrupted in 1974 and returned 30 years later by initiative of the Lisbon City Council, in partnership with various identities.
Currently, the marriages of Santo António continue to have a lot of adherence on the part of the society and constitute an unavoidable mark in the cultural identity of Lisbon.
On June 12, the tradition will again be fulfilled – in the church of Santo António – with the participation of 16 couples, previously selected through a contest.
Popular Marches parade on Avenida da Liberdade
Every year, for a few months, hundreds of locals dedicate themselves “wholeheartedly” to the preparation of choreography, songs and costumes for the march that will represent their neighborhood.
The tradition dates back to 1932, when the districts of Alto do Pina, Campo de Ourique and Bairro Alto paraded in the Capitol with the purpose of revitalizing Parque Mayer, a well known theater. Each neighborhood had to show the best of itself – from the costumes to the songs – always with the stamp of Lisbon.
Like the Marriages of Santo António, this tradition was also interrupted by the revolution of 1974 and returned in the year 1980, but this time to Avenida da Liberdade, where it is held until today.
This year, the Lisbon City Council decided to extend the edition of the Popular Marches contest, passing from 20 to 23 marches, which will be presented over two days (June 2nd and 3rd) at the Altice Arena and will be parade on Avenida da Liberdade, on the eve of Santo António (June 12th).
The best parties or arraiais in Lisbon
The nights of June are animated by dozens of parties or arraiais, as the locals call it, in the typical neighborhoods of the city, with lots of dancing and popular music. Follow our proposals and live the euphoria of Santo António in Lisbon:
1. Arraial dos Navegantes – This year is the 16th edition and is one of the busiest parties in Lisbon. It takes place on the first weekend of June, in Parque das Nações, and has visitors from all over the city.
2. Arraial de Benfica – The Alameda Padre Álvaro Proença will be the host of the 6th edition of the Arraial of Benfica, which will happen between the 21st and 24th of june. The party will be animated by the performances of Quim Barreiros, Matias Damásio, Raquel Tavares and Jorge Palma.
3. Santos a Campolide – Lots of tents, sardines and free concerts mark a month of animation of this arraial, which takes place in the Zé Pinto Park, next to the Twin Towers, between May 30th and July 1st.
There are more than 30 days of animation and dozens of places that mark the festivities of Santo António in Lisbon. How about a tuk tuk ride to get to know all the places and corners of this popular party? Check out our tours here.
