National holidays, local celebrations, and customs of Portugal
Festa de São João (Porto)
Held on the night of 23rd and 24th June, this is one of the largest popular festivals. People hit friends and strangers with plastic hammers to wish good luck, set off fireworks, and eat grilled sardines in the streets while dancing and singing.
Festa de Santo António (Lisbon)
Celebrated on 12th June, with processions, dancing, and fado music in honour of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon. Couples often marry in group weddings during the festival, and bouquets of basil with poems are given as gifts to attract love.
Carnival
Celebrated in several regions, especially in Torres Vedras, Madeira and Loulé, where people wear masks and elaborate costumes. Parades and street parties take place. It is a time of joy, satire, and popular tradition.