In June, the festivities are in full swing for the Popular Saints

Lisbonne

                                                       June is the Month of the Popular Saints

In Lisbon, June is the month of the Popular Saints festivities. First and foremost comes Saint Anthony, the city’s unofficial patron saint. Although some associate him with Padua, he was actually born near Lisbon’s Cathedral (Santa Maria Maior). Saint Anthony is deeply loved and revered, and devotion to him remains very strong today. His feast day is June 13, a public holiday in Lisbon and in many towns and cities across Portugal. However, the main celebrations take place during the night of June 12–13. To complete the festivities, people also celebrate Saint John (June 24), the patron saint of Porto, and Saint Peter, keeper of the keys (and, according to popular belief, master of the rain), on June 29. Devotion to Saint Anthony is genuine. But the celebrations are also an opportunity for merrymaking and festivities, centered largely on eating, drinking, and socializing in the streets. Lisbon proudly preserves this popular tradition. The city has also enriched it with a parallel and complementary program that is more contemporary and diverse. It would be impossible to review the dozens upon dozens of shows and events that fill the beautiful month of June. A good way to find out everything that is happening is to visit the website: www.egeac.pt.

Lisbonne

                             The Arraial: The Heart of the Festivities

Traditionally, in Portuguese villages, an arraial was the central square where community life and activities came together. That spirit has been preserved. Today, an arraial is an open-air gathering space set up in city squares and neighborhood streets. People come there to eat, drink, listen to music, and dance. Residents gather around long communal tables beneath strings of decorations in the colors of Portugal: yellow, red, and green. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Finding a seat often requires a bit of luck and ingenuity. Official arraiais, organized under the authority of the city council, must comply with health and safety regulations, as well as authorized operating hours. Their popularity is such that many local businesses set up a few tables, fire up a grill, and tap beer kegs of their own. It is hard to blame them, even if the result is a cheerful cacophony that can sometimes become rather overwhelming.

Lisbonne

                                             The Manjerico (Basil Plant) and the Marchas

The June festivities are rich in symbols and traditions.

One of the most cherished is the manjerico, the lucky basil plant. This small ornamental plant is believed to bring good fortune.

Delicate by nature, its leaves should only be gently brushed to release their fragrance. The plant holds a special place in the hearts of Lisbon residents. After all, Saint Anthony is known as the matchmaker saint—the one to whom people entrust their hearts and hopes for love.

We invite you to read our article dedicated to the manjerico:

https://www.xn--lisbonne-affinits-qtb.com/basilic-fete-de-st-antoine/

The marchas populares (popular marches) are another essential part of the June festivities.

Lisbon’s neighborhoods compete against one another in colorful parades, first indoors and then along Liberty Avenue (Avenida da Liberdade) on the night of Saint Anthony’s Day.

Residents spend the entire winter rehearsing so that, when summer arrives, they can dazzle spectators with sequins, flirtatious glances, and bursts of laughter.

Long live the festivities, and long live the neighborhoods of beautiful Lisbon!

Lisbonne

                                                          Culture and Diversity: Lisbon, a Welcoming City

The crowds that flock to the arraiais should not make us forget that the June festivities are also an opportunity to explore many other cultural experiences.

Fado performances, classical music concerts, open-air cinema screenings, and events highlighting Lisbon’s diverse communities all contribute to the celebrations.

There is also the Trezena de Santo António (the thirteen days of devotion leading up to Saint Anthony’s Day), the saint’s procession through the city, and the traditional Saint Anthony weddings.

Classical music has its place as well, culminating in a grand closing concert at the iconic Belém Tower.

Dozens of additional events round out a rich, vibrant, and welcoming programme.

To help preserve the spirit of the festivities, we recommend following a few simple guidelines. For example, avoid parking your vehicle near the arraiais and, whenever possible, walk to the celebrations.

Reusable plastic cups are the norm. If you have forgotten yours, you can easily purchase one on site. Also remember to make use of the public restroom facilities provided throughout the festival areas. These small gestures help keep the celebrations enjoyable for everyone.

Lisbonne

                                                List of the Arraiais (Popular Street Festivals)

“Os Combatentes” Arraial

Rua Possidónio da Silva 206
@freguesiadeestrela
Terrapleno de Santos (Cais de Santos)
May 29 – July 19

Grande Arraial de Belém

@grandearraialbelem
Rua Tristão Vaz 22 (Parque dos Moinhos de Santana)
May 29 – June 14

Grande Arraial de Benfica

@jfbenfica
Alameda Padre Álvaro Proença (Benfica)
June 18 – June 21

Santos à Campolide

@jfcampolide
Rua de Campolide (Quinta do Zé Pinto), opposite the EMEL parking lot
May 29 – June 13

São Miguel / Alfama Arraial

@vleandro
Throughout the streets of Alfama
May 29 – June 28

Vila Berta Arraial

@vila_berta
Vila Berta (Graça)
June 3 – June 13

The famous Vila Berta Arraial, in the Graça neighborhood, has been taking place for more than ten years. It began as a friendly initiative by local residents to celebrate the centenary of the Vila Berta housing complex and has since become one of Lisbon’s most beloved June festivals.

Grande Arraial das Avenidas Novas (Campo Pequeno)

@grandearraialsagres_av.novas
Praça do Campo Pequeno
May 30 – June 15

The Grande Arraial das Avenidas Novas is once again part of Lisbon’s Popular Saints celebrations.

Praça da Alegria Arraial

Praça da Alegria (Alfredo Keil Garden)
June 2 – June 21

Alvalade Arraial

@jfalvalade
São João de Brito Municipal Sports Complex
June 9 – June 13

Misericórdia Arraial (Bairro Alto)

@jf_misericordia
São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint, Bairro Alto
June 3 – June 28

Associação Renovar a Mouraria Arraial

Largo da Rosa (Mouraria)
May 28 – June 13

Arraial dos Navegantes (Parque das Nações)

@arraialdosnavegantes_
Free admission
Passeio Levante 6 (Parque das Nações, next to the Church of Our Lady of the Navigators)
June 5 – June 7

Almost every neighborhood in Lisbon has its own arraial: Santa Engrácia, Graça, Penha de França, and many others.

For up-to-date information, schedules, and details about all the June festivities, visit EGEAC – Lisbon’s Official Cultural Events Website.

Share
Share