Fado, Fashion & Festas
June has officially arrived — and with it comes not just sunshine and the first whispers of summer, but also one of the most beloved times of the year in Portugal: the season of the Santos Populares (Popular Saints).
So, What Are the Santos Populares?
The Santos Populares are traditional street festivals held throughout the month of June to celebrate three Catholic saints: Saint Anthony (13 June), Saint John (24 June), and Saint Peter (29 June). While rooted in religious tradition, these festas are more about community, music, food, and joy than solemn ceremonies.
Each saint has their own special day and is celebrated in different parts of the country. Lisbon throws its biggest bash for Saint Anthony — the city’s patron saint — with parades, weddings, and sardinhadas (grilled sardine feasts) in every neighborhood. Porto, on the other hand, goes all out for Saint John, with a night of dancing, street parties, bonfires, and the iconic tradition of hitting strangers on the head with soft plastic hammers. Yes, really.
These festivals are a beautiful mix of old and new — a time when the streets fill with paper lanterns, live music, manjerico pots with cheeky poems, and an undeniable sense of togetherness.
What to Wear
While we sadly don’t have the party schedule to share, we do have what you really need: style inspiration. Whether you’re dancing along the Douro in Porto, squeezing through crowded alleys, or heading to a more low-key arraial in your hometown, we’ve pulled together a collection of looks that capture the spirit of the Santos Populares.
To truly celebrate the essence of the season — and of Portugal itself — every outfit is made up exclusively of pieces from Portuguese brands. Because nothing says Viva os Santos like showing up in style and supporting local. So here's a few suggestions:
Grill, Baby, Grill
Ideal for outdoor sardine grilling sessions with a side of flirtation.
Pastel de Pop Star
For those who treat the arraial like a runway.
Hammer Time
Bold colors, practical sneakers, and a cheeky attitude. Ready for a night of soft plastic hammer mayhem during São João.
Manjerico Muse
Green hues and soft, romantic fabrics. Bonus points for a poem tucked into your pocket.
And don’t worry — these outfits are absolutely approved for sardine smoke, spilled beer, and spontaneous karaoke.
So dust off your dancing shoes, bookmark your favorite arraiais, and get ready to celebrate Portugal’s most joyful month — in style.
Viva os Santos!
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