St. John’s Festival

The most important festival on the calendar for Porto attracts visitors from all over the country.

The most important festival on the calendar for Porto attracts visitors from all over the country. The streets become filled with music and fireworks displays take place at night. Huge barbecues are prepared and attendees partake in the rather odd custom of hitting each other over the head with a rubber mallet, but who is to argue with tradition. This lively street party pays homage to St. John the Baptist, and thousands turn up for the revelry. Despite being famous in its country, and one of Europe’s most colourful events, it is largely unknown outside of Portugal.