St Anthony / Santo António Festival
It all begins with an idea.
The Feast of St. Anthony, also known as the "Santo António" is one of the most popular and iconic celebrations in Portugal.
The Feast of St. Anthony, also known as the "Santo António" festival, is a lively and popular celebration in Portugal, particularly in the city of Lisbon. This festival is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, a revered Catholic saint known for his preaching and miracles. The Feast of St. Anthony typically takes place on the night of June 12th and continues into June 13th.
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The main parade in Lisbon takes place on Avenue Liberdade, the main city thoroughfare and the street is packed full of locals supporting their districts procession. After the main parade these processions return to their local districts where the celebrations continue. This means that almost anywhere you go in Lisbon on the night of June 12th, you’ll most likely find yourself immersed in a street party. The locals don’t hold back on the celebrations and in particular the districts of Alfama and Barrio Alto are the focus of the late night festivities.
Grilled sardines are a significant part of the celebration. Food stalls and outdoor grills line the streets, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy freshly grilled sardines, a traditional dish during this festival. Sardines are often associated with St. Anthony's feast, and their consumption is a symbol of abundance.
One unique and charming tradition during the Feast of St. Anthony is the celebration of mass weddings. Couples, often with diverse backgrounds and social statuses, come together to participate in mass weddings conducted in churches.
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The celebration usually concludes with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky over Lisbon. The fireworks add a grand finale to the festivities and are eagerly anticipated by both locals and tourists.
The Feast of St. Anthony is not only a religious celebration but also a cultural and social event that brings people together to celebrate their heritage and traditions. The festivities attract a large number of visitors, making it one of the most popular and iconic celebrations in Portugal.
