June is finally here...
...and with it he busiest month in Lisbon. Join us on the celebrations.
The most awaited and lively month of the year has finally arrived, after a two years of interruption the streets of the capital will be full of manjericos (greek-basil), sardines and popular music throughout June.
It’s time to celebrate Santo António, the patron saint of Lisbon. Born in 1195 in Lisbon became very popular both in Portugal and Italy during his life and he was canonised in 1232, only one year after his death, in Padua.
Fun fact: St Anthony of Lisbon and St Anthony of Padua are both the same man.
Matchmaker for those who want to find love; He blesses weddings; He protects amputees, animals, elderly people, poor people, oppressed people, expectant mothers, boatmen and fishermen, travellers, harvests, against shipwrecks and starvation; it’s a long list.
St. Anthony became the favorite saint of Lisboners and he’s celebrated throughout the month of June, decorating the neighborhoods with beautiful and colorful paper wreaths, and all the neighbors come together organizing streets parties — called Arraial — dancing and grilling sardines all night long or in true pilgrimages in the search of the best Arraial.
A huge part of the excitement comes from the “marchas populares” - a colourful parade with representatives of each neighbourhood, takes place down Avenida da Liberdade. It’s a long established tradition dating back to the 30s filled with cheerful costumes and popular music, the marches are actually a competitive event, and we have our favourites. The one and only: Marcha da Madragoa.
É Linda!!!!! That’s what you should be shouting when rooting for our neighbourhood as they parade down the avenue on the 12th of June. But before you can go and see a rehearsal for the big night of the 5th of June at the Altice Arena- in Parque Das Nações, tickets available here.
Now it’s time to get ready and let the celebrations begin.
Here’s where you can read a bit more about the whole thing by Taste of Lisboa.
Santo António: how to celebrate Lisbon’s sardine festival
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