São João Festival in Porto
The São João Festival in Porto is one of Portugal's most vibrant and unique celebrations. Every year on June 23rd, this lively event honours St. John the Baptist with a mix of humour, fun, and custom. The streets come alive with crowds of people carrying colourful plastic hammers, music, and fireworks. Using these hammers, festival goers gently smack one other on the head; even infants are subject to a friendly tap! Tourists and locals together also enjoy seeing the stunning fireworks light up the night sky, dancing to traditional music, and eating grilled sardines.
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