Santo Antonio festivities: Lisbon

The Festivities of Lisbon, Festas de Lisboa in Portuguese, are one of the most incredible cultural experiences in Portugal. Popularly known as Festas de Santo Antônio, patron of Lisbon and who is believed to foster marriages (if you’re single, here a suggestion!).

Building decorated for the festivities of Santo Antônio. Lisbon, Portugal.

The festivities start from the evening of June 12th. Popular marches take place along Avenida da Liberdade. The streets and buildings are decorated with coloured globes and garlands, plus paintings alluding to Santo Antônio. The city is invaded by the smell of roasted sardines.

Decoration that invades streets of Lisbon during festivities of Santo Antônio. Lisbon, Portugal.

Roasted sardines in the streets, a popular snack in Portugal during festivities of Santo Antônio. Lisboa

Traditional festivities are carried out by music and dance take place in Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods: Bairro Alto, Baixa, Mouraria, Alfama, Graça and the areas nearby.

The nightlife gets intense in Lisbon during festivities of Santo Antônio. Portugal.

For me, June is the best time to visit Lisbon. In addtion to the celebration to Santo Antônio, it’s summer! You can enjoy the beaches and the vibrating nightlife.

More about Portugal:

Coffee and snacks in Lisbon

What you have to try in Portugal