The Night the City Comes Alive…
If you’ve ever wondered what pure joy looks like in a cityscape, Porto during São João is your answer. Every June 23rd, as twilight settles over the Douro River, Porto bursts into one of Europe’s most vibrant, quirky, and heartwarming street festivals — São João.
This isn’t just any celebration. It’s a centuries-old tradition where locals and travelers alike dance in the streets, grill sardines by the dozen, and bop each other on the head with squeaky plastic hammers. Sounds strange? That’s the magic of São João.

Quirky Traditions That Make the Night
Imagine thousands of people walking the historic streets, armed with colorful martelinhos (plastic hammers) gently tapping one another, laughing and wishing good luck. It’s all in good fun — and yes, you’re expected to join in!
Then there’s the alho-porro (wild leek) — not something you eat, but something you wave like a magic wand to ward off bad vibes. And don’t forget the fragrant vasos de manjerico (pots of basil), each one carrying poetic messages of love and fortune.
As night falls, the sky becomes a canvas for glowing paper balloons drifting above the city, a gentle contrast to the booming fireworks that explode over the Douro at midnight.

Sardines, Wine & Best Seats in the House
The São João feast? It’s all about grilled sardines, green chili pepper salad, and wine — ideally savored in an open-air tavern under the stars. Just a heads-up: prices for sardines tend to soar faster than the São João balloons floating above the city… but hey, at least one of them comes back down eventually…
Staying with North Star Flats @Santa Marinha? Lucky you. You don’t even need to leave your apartment to enjoy the fireworks. The balcony provides an unforgettable front-row seat — just be sure to follow safety precautions and rotate balcony time among guests.

Navigating the Crowds
Porto fills up fast, so knowing where to go is key. Top spots to watch the fireworks include Avenida Diogo Leite and Jardim do Morro (both on the Gaia side). Avoid the Ribeira area right after the show — it gets packed fast and can be overwhelming.
Can’t cross the Dom Luís I Bridge right after the fireworks? That’s because part of the dazzling show is launched directly from both the upper and lower levels of the bridge — turning it into the ultimate front-row stage for the celebration. For safety reasons, the bridge is closed to pedestrians during and after the fireworks, and it usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours before it reopens for walking. In the meantime, if you need to cross the river, head to the Infante Dom Henrique Bridge and make your way to Fontaínhas — another lively São João hotspot, full of music, food, and joyful chaos.

Dance, Bonfires, and a Dip in the Sea
After the fireworks, the party doesn’t stop — it just spreads! The whole city becomes a giant open-air celebration, with music echoing through every corner and laughter filling the night. Be sure to join a bailarico — these spontaneous street dances pop up all over Porto, where strangers become dance partners, and rhythm is contagious. No need to be a pro, just follow the beat and let the vibe carry you.
Feeling adventurous? Look out for the traditional bonfires scattered around some neighborhoods. Brave souls leap over them for good luck — but if you’re tempted to try, please be careful and make sure you’re steady on your feet (and not too heavy on the wine… or beer!).
Still not ready to call it a night? As dawn approaches, locals and night owls head to the beach for a sunrise dip in the Atlantic. Yes, the water is very cold, but that’s part of the fun — and a guaranteed way to remember this São João forever. Whether you’re dancing, jumping, or diving, make the most of it. São João is the night when Porto truly comes alive, and you’re invited to live every second of it.
Travel Light, Stay Safe, Soak it All In
Leave your backpack behind, tuck your essentials into secure pockets, and bring a light jacket — the night might cool, but the energy stays warm.
São João isn’t just a festival. It’s an explosion of culture, joy, and community spirit. If you’re lucky enough to be in Porto on that particular night, get ready for an unforgettable experience.
And the celebration doesn’t begin and end in one evening. Our guests receive a full guide to the São João festivities, with highlights of the events taking place before, during, and after the big night — from live music and food fairs to riverside shows and cherished neighborhood traditions.
Want to Experience São João with a Front-Row Seat?
Thinking about joining the party? Check out the availability of our North Star Flats here (calendar link TBD) — but hurry, São João is the most popular time of year, and our apartments get booked fast!
Want all the tips, best spots, and insider advice?
👉 Download the full São João in Porto eBook here and make sure you don’t miss a thing!