Preliminary Programme AVAILABLE SOON

Keynote Speakers

São João Festival

Every year, on the night of the 23rd to the 24th of June, thousands of people of all ages, residents, and visitors, take Porto's streets in celebration of São João (St. John).

The streets are full of food, decorations, music and dancing parties that can be heard everywhere, and anyone can join. The smell of delicious grilled sardines, barbecue, grilled green peppers and chouriço radiates from every corner of the streets. The night culminates in a spectacular firework display over the River Douro, near Ponte D. Luís, at midnight, lasting about 20 minutes.

If you’re willing to join and participate, be aware that traditions include hitting colourful plastic hammers on the heads of passers-by, waving garlic in people’s faces, and launching hot air balloon paper lanterns into the sky, illuminating the city from the old riverside area at Ribeira to the beaches at Foz.

Some side effects may include jumping bonfires and buying potted basil plants decorated with traditional poems, but that all may be cured with a traditional Portuguese shredded cabbage soup, called Caldo Verde at the end of the night.

After the fireworks, you may walk along the river from Ribeira to Foz or even to Matosinhos beach to enjoy the sunrise.

With the city buzzing with people, colour and joy, St John is a much-loved festival by all Portuguese people and is very much a family popular event you won't want to miss.

So, come along and do join us at one of the liveliest festivals in Europe!