History and tradition

The tradition of Santo António in Lisbon dates to the 13th century, when the Franciscan saint, known as Santo António de Lisboa or Santo António de Pádua, lived and preached in the city. Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195 and is considered one of the most popular saints in Portugal. In addition, he is remembered for his inspiring sermons and his dedication to the poor and needy.

Currently, Santo António in Lisbon is one of the largest and liveliest popular festivals in the city. They combine religious elements, such as processions and ceremonies, with artistic activities, such as popular marches, live music, traditional dances, bonfires, gastronomic events, among others.

The tradition of Santo António in Lisbon is a celebration of the city's identity and culture, as well as a manifestation of devotion. It brings together residents and visitors of all ages in a festive and welcoming atmosphere, providing unforgettable moments of joy and conviviality.

Come and discover the Santo António festivities in Lisbon in 2024.

Popular festivities of Saint Anthony

The Festas de Santo António are one of the most popular and traditional festivals in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. They take place annually in June, with the highlight of the celebrations on the 13th, which is the day of Santo António, the city's patron saint.

On the night of the 12th, the eve of Santo António's day, several events and festivities take place in Lisbon. This night is known as the "Night of Santo António" and marks the beginning of the most intense festivities, being an opportunity for Lisboners and visitors to experience the contagious atmosphere of Santo António. It is a lively and energetic night when the city prepares for the following day's celebrations, when the streets come alive with activities.

The Festas de Santo António are known for their popular and vibrant character, attracting residents and visitors of all ages. During this period, the streets of Lisbon are decorated with colourful flags, festivities and lights, and the historic quarters, such as Alfama, Bica, Mouraria and Bairro Alto, are the main stages of the festivities.

The whole atmosphere, therefore, includes a variety of festivities and ceremonies, such as religious processions, Santo António weddings, popular marches, live music, dances, traditional dances, bonfires, fado and typical food. The Santo António weddings, specifically, are one of the most outstanding traditions, in which local couples are selected to get married in a symbolic moment.

The popular marches are also one of the highlights of the Festas de Santo António. Each neighbourhood forms its march, made up of groups of people dressed up in traditional costumes, dancing and singing to the sound of popular music. The marches compete in lively parades that take place on Avenida da Liberdade, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Also of note is the "Washing of St. Anthony", where a statue of St. Anthony is placed on a decorated altar and washed with scented water by various people. It is a symbolic act that represents purification and spiritual renewal, being one of the most emblematic moments of the evening.

Besides the traditional activities, Santo António offers a panoply of entertainment, such as parks, food and drink stalls, and popular and artistic fairs. It is a time when people take the opportunity to socialise, dance, eat grilled sardines, caldo verde and other typical delicacies, and enjoy a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

The Festas de Santo António are, in this way, a celebration that reflects Lisbon's identity and culture. They showcase religious devotion, the joy of the people and popular tradition, bringing the city together in an atmosphere of fun and conviviality. It is a unique and memorable experience for those who visit Lisbon during this period.

The preservation of national heritage and the dissemination of local customs are essential to keep alive the identity wealth of a community, valuing its history and ensuring its transmission to future generations.

The Santo António festivities in Lisbon are an opportunity to preserve the best that Portugal's culture and tradition have to offer. And to celebrate with those we love the most!

List of Events during the Santos Populares Festivities 2024

• Santos in Santos - May 16 to June 16. Location: Santos Terrace 

• Arraial of Santo António - May 27 to June 16, every day from noon to 10pm (until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). Location: Praça da Alegria, Santo António

• Arraiais of Alcântara - May 27 to June 26. Location: Quinta do Cabrinha Sports Center (May 27 to June 15), Academia Recreativa de Santo Amaro Street, nº 9 (June 3 to 26), Pavilhão da Ajuda (June 9 to 12) and Avelar Brotero Garden (all month)

• Arraial of Navegantes - May 30 to June 2. Location: Church of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes, Park of Nations 

• Arraial of Associação Renovar a Mouraria - May 30 - June 1, June 5 - 9, June 11 - 12 and June 14 - 15, always starting at 6pm. Location: Largo da Rosa, Mouraria

• Popular Marches - May 31 to June 2. Location: MEO Arena

• Arraial Santos in Tejo - May 31st to June 9th. Location: Doca da Marinha. Ticket purchase required

     Concerts:

     May 31 - Ana Bacalhau & Marante, Rouxinol Faduncho, André Henriques & Gonçalo Roque

     June 1 - Aurea & Emanuel, Baile do Pimpão & Fúria do Açúcar 

     June 6 - João Só & Rosinha (with Bárbara Tinoco), Sek Mintendes 

     June 7 - Cláudia Pascoal & Rebeca, Baile do Pimpão & Melão 

     June 8 - D.A.M.A. & Jorge Guerreiro, Hélder Tavares & Mojo (with Tio Jel)

     June 9 - Gisela João & José Pinhal Post Mortem Experience, André Henriques & Gonçalo Roque 

• Santos of Campolide - May 31 to June 15. Location: Quinta do Zé Pinto, Campolide

• Grande Arraial of Belém - May 31 to June 15 (Monday to Friday from 5pm, and weekends from 3pm). Location: Park of Moinhos de Santana, Ajuda

• Arraial of São Miguel - May 31 to June 29. Location: Largo da Palmeira, Alfama

• Trezena of Santo António - June 1st to 11th. Location: Largo de Santo António

• Arraial of Vila Berta - June 1st to 12th. Doors always open at 6pm, except on the 2nd. Location: Vila Berta, São Vicente

• Arraial of Magalhães - June 1st to 15th. Location: Largo do Salvador, Alfama

• Arraial of Combatentes - June 1st to 29th. Location: "Os Combatentes" Association, Street of Possolo

• Arraial of Misericórdia - June 1st to 30th. Location: Viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara, Misericórdia

• Arraiais of São Vicente - June 6 to 13. Location: Largo da Graça and Augusto Gil Garden, São Vicente

• Grande Arraial of Avenidas Novas - June 7 to 22. Location: gardens around Campo Pequeno 

     Free concerts:

     June 7 - Jorge Guerreiro

     June 8th - Leo & Leandro

     June 10th - Rosinha  

     June 11 - Iran Costa 

     June 12th - Kamala

     June 13 - Avô Cantigas 

     June 14th - Miguel Azevedo 

     June 15th - Às Variações 

     June 19th - Toy

     June 20th - Akunamatata 

     June 21 - Kássio 

     June 22 - Irmãos Verdades

• Arraial of Santo António in Penha de França - June 9 to 12. Location: Penha de França Street, at the Sapadores Market

• Saint Anthony's weddings - June 12, from 11:30 a.m. Location: between Lisbon Cathedral and the Noble Hall of the Town Hall 

• Popular Marches Parade - June 12, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Location: Avenida da Liberdade

• Saint Anthony's Procession - June 13th. Location: the streets near the Cathedral

• Grande Arraial of Benfica - June 20 to 23 (Thursday and Friday at 6pm, Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 10am). Location: Alameda Padre Álvaro Proença, Benfica

• Arraial of Pride - June 22, from 4pm to 2am. Location: Terreiro do Paço

To find out more about this and other festivities, visit Living Tours Lisboa (Rua da Conceição, Loja 23 e 25 1100-151 Lisboa). Our colleagues, specialists in Lisbon, will have the best programmes and experiences to show you.

If you want to have other experiences when you visit Lisbon, explore the tours, activities and boat trips selected for you.