Santo Antonio Festival in Lisbon (June)

Every June, Lisbon throws its biggest party: the Festas de Lisboa, in honour of Saint Anthony. The old neighbourhoods fill with street parties, grilled sardines, paper garlands and music, and the night of 12 June is one of the best nights of the year to be in Lisbon. Here’s how to enjoy it.

Quick answer: the big night is 12 June, going into the 13th, Saint Anthony’s day. Watch the Marchas Populares parade on Avenida da Liberdade, then join the arraiais (street parties) in Alfama, Mouraria, Graça and Bica for sardines on bread, beer and dancing until dawn. Book accommodation early.

What happens

• Arraiais: street parties throughout June, especially in the old quarters, with grills, bars, music and dancing.
• Marchas Populares: neighbourhoods compete in a costumed parade along Avenida da Liberdade on the evening of 12 June.
• Sardines: grilled sardines on bread are the taste of the festival.
• Manjericos: small pots of basil with paper flowers and a short poem, given as tokens of love.
• Saint Anthony’s weddings: a mass wedding ceremony for couples, held around the feast day.

Where to go

• Alfama: the most famous and crowded. See Alfama.
• Mouraria and Graça: lively and slightly more local. See Mouraria and Graça.
• Bica and Bairro Alto: steep streets packed with people. See Bairro Alto.

Tips

• Crowds: very busy on 12 June. Watch your belongings. See is Portugal safe?
• Transport: the metro runs late on the main night, but expect packed trains.
• Book early: hotels fill up and prices rise. See the best hotels in Lisbon.
• Cash: handy for the street stalls.

More: the Portugal festivals calendar, Portugal in June and São João in Porto.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.