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Who is St. Anthony and Why Celebrate Him?
Why celebrate a saint with street parties filled with sardines and sangria? St. Anthony was a 12th-century Catholic priest and friar born into a wealthy Lisbon family. He is famously known as the patron saint of lost things, love, and marriage, and he also has a reputation as a matchmaker. On Santo António night (June 12), 2025, you might even feel like the lost thing, as the chaotic and joyful celebrations take over the city.
Interestingly, Lisbon doesn’t hold a big celebration for the city’s official patron saint, St. Vincent. Instead, Santo António takes center stage, and the festival named after him, also known as the Santos Populares, is one of the most beloved events in Lisbon.
What Makes the Santo António Festival Fun?
The Santo António festival, or Santos Populares, is an unforgettable experience in Lisbon. Every street is strung with colorful decorations, and the city is alive with music, dancing, and epic sing-a-longs. Cheap street food, like grilled sardines, and refreshing drinks like sangria, flow freely. The good vibes are everywhere as locals and visitors alike pack into Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, much like sardines in a tin. Makeshift stages, pop-up bars, and outdoor grills line the streets, and these lively street parties, called arraiais, continue across the city throughout the month of June.
What to Expect on June 12 in Lisbon
The real fun begins on the night of June 12 after sunset. Around 9 PM, head to Avenida da Liberdade to watch the colorful Marchas Populares parade. Afterward, venture into one of the many party-filled neighborhoods for a night of dancing, drinking, and joyful chaos.
If you’re not a fan of crowds, be prepared—these events are packed. My first experience at the Santo António festival was in Alfama, and I’ve never been in a crowd so dense. At one point, while holding hands with friends to avoid getting separated, I was actually lifted off the ground and carried for several meters by the sheer mass of people!
For a more relaxed experience, head out earlier in the evening to enjoy grilled sardines and listen to traditional pimba music. You’ll likely find a seat and soak in the festivities at a slower pace.
Highlights of Lisbon's Sardine Festival
Parade on June 12: Head to Avenida da Liberdade to enjoy a vibrant parade featuring floats, costumes, dancers, and bands. Neighborhoods compete for glory, showcasing their best in a spirited battle.
Mass Wedding (Santo Casamenteiro): Continuing a tradition from 1958, the city selects 16 couples to marry on June 12, 2025. They receive a ring, wedding dress, and honeymoon—all televised. The ceremony will be held on June 12, held between the Sé de Lisboa and the Noble Hall of the City Hall (civil weddings).
Where to Find the Best Parties on June 12
Looking for the best parties on June 12? Check out this guide to the arraiais around Lisbon:
Arraiais da Bica: Largo de Santo Antoninho (big party)
Arraiais de São Vicente (Graça): Largo da Graça (big party)
Arraial da Misericórdia (Principe Real): Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (big party)
Arraial da Mouraria: Largo da Severa, Rua da Guia, Rua Marquês Ponde de Lima, Rua da Mouraria e Rua do Capelão (big party)
Arraial de São Miguel (Alfama): Largo de São Miguel (big party)
Arraial do Magalhães (Alfama): Largo do Salvador (big party)
Arraial do Marquês (Ajuda): Largo do Paz (medium party)
Arraial da Vila Berta (Graça): Vila Berta (hidden party)
Arraial da Praça da Alegria (Avenida Liberdade): Praça da Alegria (smaller party)
Arraial da Academia de Santo Amaro: Rua Academia Recreativa de Santo Amaro 9 (small neighbourhood party)
What to Eat:
Grilled Sardines on Bread: A simple dish of grilled sardines served on a slice of bread, allowing you to enjoy the fish’s flavor.
Caldo Verde: A beloved potato and cabbage soup, often garnished with chorizo.
Bifanas: If sardines aren’t your thing, try a bifana—thin pork steak in a fresh bun with mustard or piri piri sauce.
Additional Activities:
Visit the Cathedral of Lisbon: Explore this stunning architectural gem and take in its rich history.
Visit the Lisbon Castle: Discover the historic Castelo de São Jorge, which offers panoramic views of the city and insights into Lisbon's past.
Dolphin Watching Tour: Experience the beauty of marine life on a guided tour to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
Sunset Tour on the Tagus River: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline as the sun sets over the river.
Pasteis de Nata Baking Class: Learn to make Portugal's famous custard tarts in a fun and interactive cooking class.
Tips for Attending:
Bring Cash: Most stalls don't accept cards, and ATMs may run out, especially on Sundays.
Bathroom Access: Public restrooms are scarce; be prepared for creative alternatives.
Comfortable Footwear: Expect to walk, stand, or dance a lot, so wear shoes that can handle it. Taxis may also be hard to find late at night.
