Event Details
Welcome to São João Porto 2027
On the night of 23 to 24 June 2027, Porto celebrates its biggest and loudest festival. São João turns the entire city into one giant midsummer party: street music, barbecued sardines and the famous tradition of gently hitting friends and strangers with small plastic hammers are all part of the night, alongside the spectacular fireworks over the Douro River. The festival dates back to the 14th century and blends pagan and Christian traditions honoring Saint John the Baptist.
Highlights
- Traditional "martelinhos", the plastic hammers used to tap people gently on the head
- Barbecued sardines and caldo verde served across the city
- Midnight fireworks display over the Douro at the Dom Luís I Bridge
- Live music on multiple stages until the early morning
- Rabelo boat regatta on 24 June
- Paper hot air balloons released into the night sky
Find Accommodation in Porto
Compare the best hotel prices for this event and secure your accommodation in time.
Free cancellation on most hotels
Program
Festivities actually begin weeks in advance with the Cascatas de São João, elaborately decorated street altars built by local communities. On the evening of 23 June, streets and squares fill with people enjoying grilled sardines at home or outdoors, along with caldo verde, lamb and a glass of port wine. From around 8:00 PM, multiple stages across the city host live music that continues into the early hours. Right at midnight, the main fireworks display lights up the sky over the Dom Luís I Bridge, best viewed from the banks of the Douro; many visitors then stroll toward Foz do Douro to watch the sunrise. On 24 June, celebrations continue with the Regata dos Barcos Rabelos, in which the traditional wine transport boats of Porto's major port houses race along the Douro.
Tickets
São João is a free public street festival with no admission tickets. Restaurant tables for the traditional sardine dinner should be booked well ahead, as they get busy fast on the night itself.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early at the riverside to secure a good spot for the midnight fireworks.
- Buy a plastic hammer; it is essential gear for the night.
- Book restaurant tables for sardines and caldo verde in advance.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the celebration runs until early morning and involves a lot of walking.
- Set aside time on 24 June for the boat regatta on the Douro.
