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Veronika Georgieva

Best Festivals in Porto

Updated: Jun 5, 2023


The city of Porto, Portugal, is well known for its vibrant culture and is alive all year long with various festivals. These celebrations highlight the city and its residents' rich culture, traditions, and artistic expressions. Porto offers a wide variety of festival events that fascinate both locals and tourists, ranging from music and dance to food and religious celebrations.




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Best Festivals in Porto


São João Festival


One of the most awaited and well-known celebrations in Porto, Portugal, is the So Joo Festival, also known as the Feast of St. John or St. John's Night. Every year, it begins on the evening of June 23 and lasts into the early hours of June 24. This celebration has a long history in Porto and has its roots in tradition. During the celebration, flowers, paper lanterns, illuminated balloons, and other bright decorations are placed across Porto's streets. People gather to celebrate all night long in the historical Ribeira neighborhood, which serves as the primary gathering spot.


Other parts of the city, such as the riverbank region and Avenida dos Aliados, are also included in the celebration. One of the most iconic traditions of the São João Festival is the use of plastic hammers. People playfully hit each other on the head with small, soft hammers, which have become a symbol of the festival. It's a fun way for people to interact and enjoy the festivities. Additionally, people release illuminated sky lanterns into the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere. Fireworks play a central role in the São João Festival, and a spectacular display is launched over the Douro River. The sky is illuminated with vibrant colors, creating a mesmerizing sight for all spectators.




NOS Primavera Sound


NOS Primavera Sound music festival takes place in Porto, Portugal. The famous Primavera Sound Festival, which started out in Barcelona, Spain, is being held in Portugal. The festival offers visitors a distinctive musical experience by combining a broad lineup of foreign and local musicians.NOS Primavera Sound takes place in the scenic Parque da Cidade (City Park) of Porto, which provides a beautiful natural setting for the event. The festival usually occurs in late spring or early summer, typically in June. The NOS Primavera Sound music festival takes place in Porto, Portugal.


The famous Primavera Sound Festival, which started out in Barcelona, Spain, is being held in Portugal. The festival offers visitors a distinctive musical experience by combining a broad lineup of foreign and local musicians. In addition to music, the festival often includes cultural events, exhibitions, and art installations, giving visitors a multifaceted experience. This blending of music, art, and nature adds to NOS Primavera Sound's distinctive and lively vibe. Overall, NOS Primavera Sound has established itself as one of the premier music festivals in Portugal, attracting both national and international audiences who come to enjoy an eclectic lineup of music in a picturesque park setting.




The Festa de So Bento da Porta Aberta


The Festa de So Bento da Porta Aberta is a religious celebration held in the Portuguese town of Gerês, which is close to Porto. Despite not taking place in Porto itself, it is a big occasion that draws a lot of supporters and tourists from the area. The festival is held in honor of Saint Benedict of Nursia, the patron saint of Europe and the founder of the Benedictine Order. The Festa de São Bento da Porta Aberta takes place annually in early August, typically spanning several days. The festival's highlight is a large parade through Gerês's streets that features the statue of Saint Benedict. Devotees assemble to take part in the parade and are frequently clothed in traditional costumes. Hymns and prayers are recited while the parade moves through the town, and the statue is decorated with flowers and other decorations.


Throughout the festival, various religious ceremonies and services are held, including Masses and novenas dedicated to Saint Benedict.Gerês's scenic beauty contributes to the festival's charm. The region, which is a part of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, is well-known for its breathtaking natural features, which include mountains, forests, and waterfalls. Visitors frequently take advantage of the chance to explore the local area and engage in outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, and boating.The Festa de São Bento da Porta Aberta is a significant religious and cultural event that attracts both pilgrims and tourists. It offers a unique opportunity to witness traditional religious practices, experience local customs, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Gerês region.




We've reached the end of the article about the best festivals in Porto. This city has a fantastic atmosphere, and we believe you will love it as much as we did! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our website. Remember to follow us@thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!



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